Buckingham MP refuses to back bill to stop puppy smuggling and pet theft

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. 

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

Buckingham Constituency 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 Liberal Democrats have launched an online campaign and petition to end puppy smuggling and is urging pet owners and residents of Buckinghamshire to sign it here 

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Buckingham, Anja Schaefer said:

“The Conservative party promised to deliver this Bill in their election manifesto, and the Government even drafted the wording of the new law.

“Pet owners, animal welfare charities and residents of Buckinghamshire are rightfully angry at Greg Smith and this Conservative Government for breaking their promise to protect animals from cruel smuggling gangs.”