A Brexiteer Tory MP has urged the government to let his dogs keep their freedom of movement rights after Britain leaves the EU.
Bob Stewart, the MP for Beckenham, said his “French-speaking” hounds crossed the Channel regularly on their EU “pet passports”.
Millions of Britons are set to lose the ability to live and work freely on the continent at the end of the year as a result of the UK’s departure from the bloc.
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But pets may also be affected, with no direct replacement of the scheme yet agreed and the future uncertain.
“Our two French-speaking dogs cross the Channel several times a year on a pet passport,” Mr Stewart said during a parliamentary debate on Brexit negotiations.
“And on their behalf, and on behalf of all other dog owners that take their labradors… on behalf of all pet owners who take their dogs abroad on a pet passport, can I ask if there will be similar arrangements after December 31?”
Michael Gove, the cabinet office minister, who was taking questions in the House of Commons, said he sympathised with the situation but would not give specifics on any replacement for pet passports.
“Yes, I completely sympathise with [Mr Stewart] and many, many other responsible pet owners,” he said.
“In my previous role [as environment secretary], we made sure that we worked on arrangements in order to ensure that travellers could take their pets abroad when they are visiting the European Union and vice versa.”
Speaking in French, Mr Gove added: “We always defend the rights of dogs.”
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Mr Stewart has previously campaigned against free movement, arguing in May 2017 that keeping it would “nullify Brexit” and that Britain therefore had to leave the single market.
Until the end of the transition period, anyone travelling to the EU with pets can move freely as long as their animal has been issued with a pet passport.
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Pro-Brexit supporters celebrating in Parliament Square, after the UK left the European Union on 31 January. Ending 47 years of membership
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Big Ben, shows the hands at eleven o’clock at night
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Pro Brexit supporters attend the Brexit Day Celebration Party hosted by Leave Means Leave
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Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage smiles on stage
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People celebrate in Parliament Square
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A Brexit supporter celebrates during a rally in Parliament square
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Police form a line at Parliament Square to prevent a small group of anti-Brexit protestors from going through to the main Brexit rally
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Nigel Farage speaks to pro-Brexit supporters
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JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin speaks as people wave flags
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Brexit supporters wave Union flags as they watch the big screen
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Brexit Party leader, Nigel Farage arrives
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Brexit supporters gather
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Ann Widdecombe speaks to pro-Brexit supporters
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Brexit supporters wave Union flags as they watch the big screen
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AFP via Getty
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People wave British Union Jack flags as they celebrate
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Pro-Brexit demonstrators celebrate on Parliament Square on Brexit day
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A pro-Brexit supporter jumps on an EU flag
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A man waves Union flags from a small car as he drives past Brexit supporters gathering
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A pro-Brexit supporter pours beer onto an EU flag
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That may change from the end of the year, with possible requirements for vet visits to have vaccines and procure an animal health certificate, unless the UK is granted an exemption.
Under the worst case-scenario of a no-deal Brexit, taking a pet to the EU will likely require a four-month process that includes microchipping, a rabies vaccination, a blood test and a three-month wait to travel after the blood test.
