Conservative MPs refuse to back bill to stop puppy smuggling and pet theft

Conservative MPs refused to back a bill to end puppy smuggling, pet theft and live animal exports in the UK.

Last Wednesday (21st June), the opposition attempted to force the government to bring back the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. Last month, the Government broke their manifesto promise to crack down on pet theft, puppy smuggling and banning live animal exports.

The Liberal Democrats re-tabled the Government puppy smuggling bill and called on Conservative MPs to keep their promise, but they have refused.

Now Conservative MPs refused to back a motion to bring the bill back within the next month and instead launched yet another consultation. Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith was absent from the vote.

Waltham Forest Liberal Democrats have criticised this move, accusing the government of breaking another manifesto pledge, turning their back on puppies and allowing traffickers to exploit the pet market.

The party has launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling and is urging pet owners and residents of Waltham Forst to sign at libdems.org.uk/puppy  

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Leyton & Wanstead, Tara Copeland said:

“The Conservative party promised to deliver this Bill in their election manifesto, and the Government even drafted the wording of the new law.

“This Conservative Government has left pet owners, animal welfare charities and residents of Waltham Forest rightfully angry.

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