A WOULD-BE MP has given the thumbs-up to a proposed new law banning young puppies being imported from abroad.
Conservative candidate for the newly created Mid Cheshire constituency, Charles Fifield, says the proposed new law will ‘bring peace of mind’ to families when they’re looking for a new pet.
Plans for the new law, which aims to prevent puppy smugglers from importing sick dogs into the UK, got the backing of parliament after a debate in the House of Commons on Friday, March 15.
Under the new law, pet sellers would be banned from importing puppies under six months old, while heavily pregnant dogs would also not be allowed to travel.
It will also cover the importation of cats and ferrets into the country, and mutilated animals, such as puppies with cropped ears, would also be stopped at the border.
Charles, who was a Cheshire West and Chester councillor for Weaver and Cuddington ward from 2011 to 2023, said: “It's easy to see how much Mid Cheshire people love their pets, and the special place they hold in families’ hearts.
“This law is so important – not just to stop criminal gangs profiting from the unnecessary suffering of young animals – but to end the pain which loving families feel when their beloved pet is found to be ill or in pain due to the way it was raised and brought into the country.
“By ensuring pets can only be imported into this country in the proper and correct ways, this law will help bring illegal puppy smuggling to an end.”
The plans have been brought forward in a private members bill by North Devon MP, Selaine Saxby.
Selaine says a huge surge in puppy smuggling started during the Covid pandemic as owners struggled to find the puppies they wanted.
She added: “We really are a nation of pet lovers, and this legislation will ensure the UK is leading the world when it comes to animal welfare.”
“I’m glad the Government is supporting this vital bill and committing to its swift passage to safeguard the welfare of thousands of puppies, dogs, cats and ferrets which come into Great Britain from overseas each year.
“I would like to thank the tireless campaigning from pet charities who have shared their views about this bill.
“I hope they're reassured by the measures outlined in the bill which will stop this cruel trade by closing loopholes exploited by unscrupulous commercial traders.”
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