Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has joined others in calling for tougher controls to prevent puppy smuggling - and harsher penalties for those involved in it.
He is backing a new campaign by the Dogs’ Trust, which says unscrupulous traders are still bringing huge numbers of puppies into the UK, often from farms where they have been raised in atrocious conditions.
Since 2012, the Pet Travel Scheme has made it easier for owners to take their animals on holiday with them.
But, says the trust, smugglers have taken advantage of the scheme to illegally import thousands of puppies for sale, making huge profits at the cost of welfare.
Many of the animals traded are too young to travel, unvaccinated and in poor health. Some are only a month old. Others have been found with open wounds after ear cropping.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said Animal and Plant Health Agency officials were scoring some successes in intercepting the imports, seizing the puppies and handing them over to the trust to be cared for while they were found homes. But much more needed to be done.
“The Dogs’ Trust has done wonders to raise the profile of this issue but we really need stronger Government intervention to deter smugglers,” he said.
“Those people involved in this evil trade are totally ruthless and we should be equally ruthless when dealing with them. It is the only language they are likely to understand.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger said most families who bought smuggled puppies were probably unaware of the circumstances under which they had been bred and traded.
“We have a reputation as pet-lovers in this country and the huge majority of dogs are undoubtedly cherished and well cared-for. I am sure dog owners everywhere are appalled by this continuing illegal trade so I would urge them to support the campaign in any way they can,” he said.
“Meanwhile I would urge any family contemplating buying a dog only to obtain one from a reputable source, ideally a registered breeder.”
