In response to the appointment of Liz Truss as Prime Minister, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity is calling on her to allow the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill to finally pass through the parliamentary process.
The Kept Animals Bill will improve the welfare standards of certain kept animals that are in, imported into, or exported from Great Britain. The Bill includes the provision of new powers enabling the Government to introduce measures via secondary legislation to tackle the abuses of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
Owen Sharp, CEO of Dogs Trust said: “Dogs Trust congratulates Liz Truss on her appointment as Prime Minister. We believe one of her first priorities must be to allow the Kept Animals Bill to finally pass through the parliamentary process, and to do so as soon as possible. Amongst other measures, this Bill is the Government’s chance to effectively regulate pet travel and stop the mistreatment of innocent pups and other animals, who go on to be sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
“Through the introduction of the Bill and appropriate secondary legislation, we hope to bring about the end of the devastating Puppy Smuggling industry, which we have spent over eight years exposing. Whilst we wait, thousands of underage pups and more recently increasing numbers of heavily pregnant dogs, continue to be smuggled into the country every year, often enduring horrific and gruelling journeys.
“We look forward to supporting the new Government’s pursuit of a better life for all animals and eagerly await the opportunity to strengthen animal welfare provision in the UK.”
For more information visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/latest/issues-campaigns/puppy-smuggling/
