Press release

2 August 2023

A new transport trade association is being formed by a group of like-minded professionals in order to raise animal welfare during transport and better protect pets and owners.

The move comes in the wake of the British Government’s ditching of the Animal Welfare Bill, which would have impacted puppy farming and other live animal exploitation.

Named PETRA (Pet European Transport by Road and Air) the new organisation aims to professionalise transport services where the authorities are failing.

“The public need assurance those they trust with their much-loved family members are licensed, legal and safe.” says Dan Coughlan of Animal Express, one of the Defra controlled businesses behind the initiative.

The aim is that pet owners gain confidence by using accredited traders rather than relying on a myriad of web pages with no verifiable background, says Coughlan.

PETRA exists to engage with the public; such as pet owners, with charities and other trade organisations; like rehoming charities, and with authorities. A combination of full, corporate/economic and personal membership grades will be available enabling organisations associated with pet-type animal movement, eg: ferry companies, to contribute and benefit.

While one initial aim of PETRA is proper enforcement of existing rules, PETRA also plans to lobby regulators on matters such as cage sizes, occupation and ventilation for the Other Species category. This, under both national and international law across Europe, the organisation insists.

PETRA claims adherence to its guidelines will also bring about at least some of the protections lost by the scrapping of the UK’s proposed Kept Animal Welfare Bill; for example by blocking the illegal trade in puppies and kittens.

Other standing problems will be tackled, it adds. The smuggling of commercial animals via abuse of the Pet Travel Scheme will also be addressed. The problems and high costs experienced by British travellers journeying to the EU post Brexit is another hot topic.

PETRA is being formed as a stand-alone trade association to be registered at Companies House in the UK.