TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow has welcomed plans for a brand new regulation to “assist convey puppy smuggling to an finish” that was backed in Parliament final week (Friday, March 15).
Under the Animal Welfare (importation of dogs, cats, and ferrets) Bill, folks promoting pets could be banned from importing puppies beneath six months old, whereas closely pregnant dogs would additionally not be allowed to journey, whereas ‘mutilated’ animals, reminiscent of puppies with cropped ears, would even be stopped.
The plans have been introduced ahead in a Private Members Bill by North Devon MP Selaine Saxby who says an enormous surge in puppy smuggling began in the course of the Covid pandemic as homeowners struggled to seek out the puppies they wished.
She mentioned: “I am glad the Government is supporting this vital Bill and committed to its swift passage to safeguard the welfare of thousands of puppies, dogs, cats, and ferrets that come into Great Britain from overseas each year.
“I would like to thank the tireless campaigning from pet charities who have shared their views about this Bill.
“I hope they are reassured by the measures outlined in the Bill which will stop this cruel trade by closing loopholes exploited by unscrupulous commercial traders.
“We really are a nation of pet lovers, and this legislation will ensure the UK is leading the world when it comes to animal welfare.”
The Bill will even cowl the importation of cats and ferrets into the nation.
Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, mentioned she could be backing Selaine’s invoice and mentioned it will convey peace of thoughts to households in search of a brand new pet.
“It is easy to see how many people across Taunton Deane and the country love their pets and the special place they hold in families’ hearts,” Rebecca mentioned.
“That’s why this Bill is so important – not just to stop criminal gangs profiting from the suffering of young animals – but to end the pain loving families feel when their beloved pet is found to be ill or in pain due to the way it was raised and brought into the country.”
“By ensuring pets can only be brought into this country in the proper and correct ways, this Bill will help bring puppy smuggling to an end.”