§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will bring forward legislation to increase the sentences in cases of smuggling animals into the United Kingdom; if he is satisfied with the present operation of the law; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangThe Rabies Act 1974 and the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 provide increased penalties, including prosecution on indictment, where any person knowingly evades the provisions of the order. There is now power to impose an unlimited fine and imprisonment for up to 12 months. I am satisfied that these new penalties are adequate and note that the courts are taking a more serious view of these deliberate smuggling offences.
I shall continue to keep the situation under close watch and will take every opportunity to emphasise the need for full compliance with our import requirements.