When speaking with Erewash residents, I know that many are concerned about the puppy smuggling trade.
This week in Parliament, I was pleased to meet with representatives from Dogs Trust to discuss the importance of tackling the cruel puppy smuggling trade.
Since 2014, Dogs Trust has been exposing the widespread abuse of the Pet Travel Scheme. The scheme, intended for use by people taking their pets on holiday, has long been used as a cover by illegal traders, who have taken advantage of the scheme to import thousands of puppies from Central and Eastern Europe into the UK.
3,131 illegally imported puppies have now been cared for by Dogs Trust, which if sold to the public would have made over £4.5 million for the illegal importers.
The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill provides a great opportunity for Members of Parliament to pass legislation that will tackle puppy smuggling. I am supportive of the ambitions of the Bill and will follow any developments relating to this Bill closely.