Suella urged to ban puppy farming

9 Jun 2023

Last month, the Government broke their manifesto promise by dropping their puppy smuggling bill. This sparked outrage amongst animal welfare groups. The Liberal Democrats have now re-tabled the Government puppy smuggling bill and called on Conservative MPs to keep their promise. 

Fareham MP Suella Braverman should lead the way, say Fareham Lib Dems. As Home Secretary she is the Minister responsible for enforcing laws, points out Cllr Chrissie Bainbridge, Lib Dem spokesperson on Public Protection on Fareham Council.

Fareham Liberal Democrats accuse the government of breaking another manifesto pledge, turning their back on puppies and allowing traffickers to exploit the pet market. 

On June 6th, Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron tabled the Pets (Theft and Importation) Bill which seeks to prevent and punish the theft of dogs below a certain age and deter the unlawful importation of certain animals, including dogs, cats and ferrets. 

The text is identical to the Government’s draft legislation on puppy smuggling.

In addition to tabling this Bill, the party has launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling and is urging pet owners and residents of Fareham to sign. 

Cllr Chrissie Bainbridge said:

“Fareham is full of pet lovers and we must do everything we can to ensure the safety of our beloved animals.

“The Conservative party promised to deliver this Bill in their election manifesto, and the Government even drafted the wording of the new law. Therefore Suella Braverman should have no problems backing it. Conservative MPs cannot break this promise to protect animals from cruel smuggling gangs. 

“It would be shameful for Suella Braverman and this Conservative Government not to support this Bill and pet owners, animal welfare charities and residents of [Fareham would be rightfully angry.

“The Liberal Democrats want to see greater protections for puppies, with criminals who target beloved pets handed harsher punishments.”

Chrissie Bainbridge with one of her pet dogs

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