Devon’s Lib Dem MP calls for dog smuggling ban

Tiverton & Honiton MP Richard Foord has called on Conservative MPs from across the West Country to back a Liberal Democrat Bill to end puppy smuggling in the UK. This follows the Government making the controversial decision to drop their own legislation on this issue.

Last month, the Conservative Government ditched plans for a bill to crack down on puppy smuggling, sparking outrage amongst animal welfare groups.

Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government for breaking yet another of their manifesto pledges, this time turning their back on dogs and allowing traffickers to exploit the pet market.  

Richard Foord and other Lib Dem MPs have tabled a new Bill in response, entitled the Pets (Theft and Importation) Bill. The Bill is identical to the Government’s draft legislation and Mr Foord is calling on Conservative MPs in Devon to keep their promise by throwing their weight behind it.

In addition to tabling a Bill, the party has launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling and is urging pet owners and residents across the West Country to sign.  

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton, Richard Foord, said:

“Animal welfare is huge for people in the South West. We are pet lovers almost without exception, and we must do everything we can to ensure that vulnerable animals are not imported into the UK illegally – and subject to mistreatment on their journey.

“The Conservative party promised to deliver new legislation to protect vulnerable animals in their election manifesto, and the Government even drafted wording for a new law. Yet, last month they suddenly dropped these plans and failed to explain why.

“The Liberal Democrats want to see greater protections for dogs, with criminals who target potential pets handed harsher punishments. That is why we Liberal Democrats have tabled a Bill to ban puppy smuggling.  

“Conservative MPs across Devon should join us to help force the Government to honour their promise. If they fail to back this Bill, it will represent yet another broken promise and leave innocent animals at the mercy of cruel smuggling gangs.  

“I encourage people across Devon to contact their local MP and urge them to back this new Bill, so we can keep potential pets safe.”

The petition launched by the Liberal Democrats can be found at: www.libdems.org.uk/puppy