Since being elected Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has been campaigning for stronger animal welfare legislation and is welcoming Government support for two pieces of legislation which target puppy smuggling and make it a criminal offence to steal pets.
Under the Animal Welfare (importation of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, people selling pets would be banned from importing puppies under six months old, while heavily pregnant dogs would also not be allowed to travel.
While the cropping of ears is already illegal in the UK, the Bill will also prevents the import of ‘mutilated’ animals, such as puppies with cropped ears. The piece of legislation has been brought forward by North Devon MP Selaine Saxby who says a huge surge in puppy smuggling started during the Covid pandemic as owners struggled to find the puppies they wanted.
Further legislation, the Pet Abduction Bill, which was brought forward by Southend West MP Anna Firth, has also received Government support and means anyone found guilty of stealing a pet will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
These Bills build on the Government’s efforts to enhance animal welfare standards after the UK was the first country in the world to introduce animal cruelty offences. Similarly, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill seeks to put an end to the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, stopping animals enduring unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury on long journeys.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “We are a nation of animal lovers. I‘ve lived around animals my whole life and I’m now the proud owner of two mischievous whippets, Ada and Roux. The first private members bill I spoke on was to increase the sentencing for animal cruelty, and these Bills are the next step in improving welfare.
“Since becoming your MP in 2019 I have campaigned for stronger protections for our beloved pets and harsher punishments for those who seek to do them harm, so it’s great to see two pieces of legislation coming forward which will target puppy smuggling and make it a criminal offence to steal pets.
“I know people across Hinckley and Bosworth want to see stronger legislation against animal cruelty and welcome the Government’s work to protect animals and pets since bringing forward the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021.”
Selaine Saxby MP, who brought forward the Animal Welfare (importation of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, said “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.”
Anna Firth MP, who spearheaded the Pet Abduction Bill, said “It is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact that the abduction of a pet can have, and brings the perpetrators to justice that correctly reflects this.
“Pets are not merely property like a smartphone or watch – they are part of the family. It is not right that the law does not distinguish this and I am delighted that my bill will redress this wrong.”
