Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon and Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border consulted experts on the upcoming Puppy Smuggling Bill with its Second Reading on the 15th March.
Charities and interested groups were able to express their views ahead of the Second Reading of the Bill including representatives from the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats, The Kennel Club, The British Veterinary Association, Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, Cats Protection, Pets at Home, APPG for Dog Welfare and Four Paws.
The formal title is the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, a Bill to make provision for and in connection with restricting the importation and non commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when it receives its Second Reading on the 15th March.
Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon said:
“I would like to thank the charities, experts and interested groups who attended my Private Members’ Bill roundtable. This was a very positive meeting, and I will relay their views to the Department prior to the Second Reading of my Bill on the 15th of March.
“Whilst I am unable to share the contents of the Bill or the Government’s formal position until after the Second Reading, I am keen that we tackle this important issue in the right manner and I will do everything I can to ensure this legislation becomes a reality on our statute books.”
Dr Neil Hudson, MP Penrith and the Border said:
"We are a nation of animal lovers and this Bill will improve animal health and welfare by stopping the illegal import of puppies and kittens, heavily pregnant animals and animals that have been horrifically mutilated such as ear cropped dogs.
"My thanks to the charities, experts and industry interest groups for providing such important feedback that will help finetune this very necessary Bill. For my part, as the only vet in the Commons, it was a pleasure to add my professional background to the discussion. I must pay tribute to Selaine for her hard work and dedication on this issue, and for utilising a rare Private Members' Bill selection to tackle a cause so close to everyone’s heart."
