Scottish Conservatives fail to back bill to stop puppy smuggling and pet theft

Christine Jardine MP has today hit out at Scottish Conservative MPs for refusing to back a bill to end puppy smuggling, pet theft and live animal exports in the UK.

On Wednesday (21st June), the opposition attempted to force the government to bring back the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. Last month, the Government broke their manifesto promise to crack down on pet theft, puppy smuggling and banning live animal exports.

The Liberal Democrats re-tabled the Government puppy smuggling bill and called on Conservative MPs to keep their promise, but they have refused.

Conservative MPs refused to back a motion to bring the bill back within the next month and instead launched yet another consultation.

Liberal Democrats 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 party has launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling and is urging pet owners and residents across Scotland to sign at libdems.org.uk/puppy  

Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs spokesperson and MP for Edinburgh West Christine Jardine said:

“The Conservative party promised to deliver this Bill in their election manifesto, and the Government even drafted the wording of the new law. It is shameful that Scottish Conservative MPs have broken their promise to protect animals from cruel smuggling gangs.

“This Conservative Government has left pet owners and animal welfare charities rightfully angry.

“The Liberal Democrats want to see greater protections for puppies, with criminals who target our beloved pets handed harsher punishments.”