I have joined the Dogs Trust's Puppy Smuggling Taskforce which is calling on the Government to to stop the illegal importation of puppies into the UK.
The Dogs Trust and I have been working together over the last twelve months, since I became an MP, on a number of issues - including recently the impact of COVID-19 on UK dogs and dog owners as well as concerns around domestic abuse and animal abuse - and I am proud to be a firm supporter of their work.
Every year thousands of puppies are illegally imported into Great Britain to then be sold via online adverts to unsuspecting dog lovers, having been transported thousands of miles across Europe with little water, no food, exercise or toilet breaks. Many suffer significant health problems and/or lifelong behavioural challenges, and some don’t survive, leaving their buyers helpless and heartbroken – as well as out of pocket.
The Dogs Trust is calling on the Government to:
- Raise the minimum age for puppies to be imported into the UK to six months to help make them less desirable.
- Bring in tougher penalties for smuggling pups to deter deceitful sellers.
Only a handful of cases have ever been prosecuted and you can get a longer sentence for smuggling cigarettes than you can for smuggling puppies.
With pet travel currently governed by EU legislation, and as we approach the end of the UK’s transition period, Dogs Trust is urging MPs to help stop #PuppySmuggling by joining their new parliamentary Puppy Smuggling Taskforce.
I am very pleased to have joined the Taskforce, and will continue to work with the Dogs Trust on this important issue.
What to do to avoid being Dogfished
Sadly, it is all too easy to be scammed into buying a dog which may not be what it seems. We call this Dogfishing. Remember:
- Always see puppy and mum together at their home and make sure to visit more than once, even if it is via video call due to coronavirus restrictions.
- Never pay a deposit up front without seeing the puppy in person.
- Ask lots of questions and make sure you see all vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract – which gives lots of information about their parents, breed, health, diet, the puppy’s experiences and more.
- If you have any doubts or feel pressured to buy, as hard as it may be, walk away and report the seller.
For more information and advice about how to avoid being misled when buying a puppy advertised online, search ‘Dogfished’ or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogfished
Together, with the support of the public, we can ‘Change the Tale’ for smuggled pups by being there to help when they need it most. For more information on how you can help visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/changethetale