I have received a lot of emails from constituents about the Dogs Trust's most recent report on puppy smuggling.
I share concerns about this crime, and am very grateful to the Dogs Trust for highlighting the issue. You may be aware that I led a parliamentary debate on puppy smuggling earlier this month and had previously led a debate on the issue in 2019 and 2017.
I have pledged my support on social media for the current Dogs Trust campaign to stop puppy smuggling and met with representatives from the Dogs Trust as well as Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley recently to discuss the issue. Last month I sponsored a briefing session with the Dogs Trust in Parliament about its ongoing campaign and during Defra Questions in the House of Commons Chamber I asked the Government to do all it can to stamp out puppy smuggling. Also, last week I joined the Dogs Trust at Downing Street to hand in its petition about puppy smuggling.
I will continue working closely with the Dogs Trust and pressing Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the need for urgent action to tackle this cruel trade.