This week, Kate Kniveton, Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, attended an event organised by the Dogs Trust in the House of Commons where the charity called on the Government to take urgent action to end the cruel practice of Puppy Smuggling. MPs from across the UK were invited to discuss with the charity how they can work together to bring an end to the illegal practice
Through five undercover investigations, Dogs Trust has revealed the falsifying of documents to import underage puppies, often unvaccinated and in poor welfare conditions, which go on to be sold to unsuspecting buyers in the UK.
Kate Kniveton MP experienced the documentary and identity checks currently in operation at the border, and the charity was able to demonstrate some of the tactics smugglers employ to avoid detection and explain why adding a visual check to this process is crucial to tackling the trade.
An interactive station at the event illustrated the importance of introducing visual checks at the borders to put a stop to the cruel trade once and for all.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I was shocked to learn about the horrendous ways puppies are smuggled into the UK and the poor conditions they endure.
“Dogs Trust is doing great work to raise awareness of this issue amongst legislators and to ensure that all dogs imported into Great Britain are done so legally.
“For this to be successful, I recognise it is vital that the requirement to carry out a visual check on dogs being imported is introduced. I, along with my fellow MPs will continue to support the work of Dogs Trust and will do what we can to encourage the introduction of visual checks.”
