Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards was in Parliament today to support a new bill to crack down on puppy smuggling and bring tougher sentences for perpetrators.
Measures in the bill will ban the import of puppies that are younger than six months and the transport of heavily pregnant dogs.
It also bans the import of dogs who have been mutilated, for example having their ears cropped or tails docked.
An example of this is Poppy, one of 15 Dobermann pups rescued at the UK border after being illegally imported from Hungary.
They were all under 15 weeks of age, the age at which they could legally enter the UK and all of the puppies had their tails docked and ears cropped. A practice which is illegal in the UK.
In the debate, MPs also heard about Snowy, who was snuggled into the UK in dirty, cramped conditions when she was in the final stages of her pregnancy.
The bill will help end these barbaric practices.
Ruth said:
“One of the things I look forward to the most when coming back from a week in Parliament, is being greeted by my Labrador Clemmie and, more recently, her litter of eight very energetic puppies.
“Most of them will be moving on to new homes this week and it’s been lovely to see how excited their new families are, preparing for their arrival.
“That’s how it should be for every puppy, so it’s been heartbreaking to hear the stories of dogs like Poppy and Snowy.
“That’s why we need this new law, to help prevent puppy smuggling, prevent pregnant dogs and puppies under six months from being imported and bring in much stronger penalties for anyone who breaks the rules.”
Poppy and Snowy have both been rehomed by The Dog’s Trust.
• Read next: The West Bridgford School celebrates ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report
