PET owners in south Warwickshire are being urged to sign an online petition to end puppy smuggling.
Liberal Democrats in Stratford have launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling in the UK and are also demanding that local MP Nadhim Zahawi backs a bill to end the practise.
Last month – the party claim – the government broke their manifesto promise by dropping their puppy smuggling bill, sparking outrage among animal welfare groups.
Stratford Lib Dems have criticised this move, accusing the government of breaking another manifesto pledge, turning their back on puppies and allowing traffickers to exploit the pet market.
The Liberal Democrats have now re-tabled the government puppy smuggling bill and called on Conservative MPs to keep their promise.
On June 6, Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron tabled the Pets (Theft and Importation) Bill which seeks to prevent and punish the theft of dogs below a certain age and deter the unlawful importation of certain animals, including dogs, cats and ferrets.
The text is identical to the government’s draft legislation on puppy smuggling.
In addition to tabling this Bill, the party has launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling and is urging pet owners and residents of Stratford and south Warwickshire to sign.
Stratford Lib Dem spokesperson and dog owner, Manuela Perteghella, said: “Our area is full of pet lovers and we must do everything we can to ensure the safety of our beloved animals.
“The Conservative party promised to deliver this Bill in their election manifesto, and the government even drafted the wording of the new law. Therefore Mr Zahawi should have no problems backing it. Conservative MPs cannot break this promise to protect animals from cruel smuggling gangs.
“It would be shameful for Mr Zahawi and this Conservative sovernment not to support this Bill and pet owners, animal welfare charities and residents of Stratford constituency be rightfully angry.
“The Liberal Democrats want to see greater protections for puppies, with criminals who target beloved pets handed harsher punishments.”
To join the campaign visit https://www.libdems.org.uk/puppy
Mr Zahawi has been approached for comment.
