Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley recently met with the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust to hear about the issue of puppy smuggling.
The event took place in the House of Commons to mark more than 10 years of the charity’s efforts to end puppy smuggling.
The Dogs Trust team spoke to MP Nigel Evans about their pioneering Puppy Pilot scheme, which was introduced in 2015 to aid the interception of illegally imported puppies and provide care and rehabilitation for them until they find loving new homes. Since its inception, Dogs Trust has cared for over 3,100 illegally imported puppies, which, if sold to unsuspecting members of the public, would have made over £4.5 million for their illegal importers.
The charity also discussed their recent ‘Tragic Tales & The Decade of Delay’ campaign, which featured four real life case studies of dogs who have been helped via the Puppy Pilot.
Speaking on the event, Nigel Evans MP for the Ribble Valley, said:
“I recently met with representatives from the Dogs Trust to hear some of the devastating facts associated with the puppy smuggling trade. The Dogs Trust continue to do incredible work caring for dogs that are abused by this illegal trade, with 3,131 illegally imported puppies now having been cared for by the Dogs Trust.
"Those involved in this illegal trade have no regard for the welfare of these animals dangerously entering the UK – many of which are far too young, carrying diseases or not receiving the care that they need. We are a nation of dog lovers, and I was pleased to hear about the fantastic work the Dogs Trust are doing to put an end to the illegal puppy smuggling trade.”
Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, said:
“We are delighted that so many MPs came down to our event to show their support for this important cause, and we hope that the loopholes that allow for this cruel trade to continue will soon be closed.
“We have been campaigning for over 10 years to end the suffering of countless numbers of dogs caught up in this abhorrent trade, and we hope that with the support of MPs from across Parliament, we can finally end puppy smuggling and take a real step forward for dog welfare in the UK.