Andrea Jenkyns, Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood, who is supporting the case to bring an end to puppy smuggling
Campaigners have appealed to the government to take urgent action to stop puppy smuggling.
Dog’s Trust hosted a reception at the House of Commons, attended by 64 MPs and Peers, who were taken on a virtual reality ‘journey’ from Lithuania to Great Britain to provide an insight into the conditions puppies have to endure.
Dog’s Trust has been investigating this since 2014 with its reports revealing evidence of the Pet Travel Scheme being exploited by illegal puppy importers.
Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood Andrea Jenkyns said: “I’ve been shocked by the findings of all four of the reports and am proud to support the case to bring an end to puppy smuggling with the introduction of tighter controls and the need for much stronger penalties to deter this horrific crime.”
MPs also took part in a photo opportunity highlighting the routes used by puppy smugglers across Central and Eastern Europe.
Paula Boyden, Dog’s Trust veterinary director, said: “We hope our virtual reality experience has brought to life the terrifying experience a puppy faces when it falls victim to this trade. We thank Andrea Jenkyns MP for her part in highlighting the urgency of this issue. We want to see the government acting on our recommendations now to stop this horrifying trade.”
