Today, most of our MPs celebrate the first anniversary of the General Election which saw them elected to Parliament.

For one of them, Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, it was a double celebration as his bill to ban the import of puppies, kittens and ferrets cleared all its Commons stages with Government backing.  It now heads to the Lords. The Bill bans the import of animals younger than six months old and also heavily pregnant animals who may be shipped  back and forth, at great harm to their welfare.

Danny said:

I’m so proud that this Bill has passed in the Commons. It will stop pet mutilation in Britain once and for all. This legislation will transform animal welfare in the UK and eradicate cruel practices that should have been wiped out years ago.

We are now one crucial step closer to closing the loopholes that allow that kind of animal abuse to happen in this country. Mutilated animals can face horrendous injuries, infections, and psychological issues, which vets like myself see each and every day.

Even more worryingly, the illegal smuggling of puppies has long caused serious public health worries that dangerous diseases could be brought back into the UK. This bill will curb those concerns – stamping out savage practices that endanger animals everywhere.

When I became an MP, one of my many goals was to use my veterinary expertise to highlight significant animal welfare issues such as this. I couldn’t be happier that within the first year of this parliament, we will be able to put an end to this practice of puppy smuggling and ear cropping and, crucially, protect public health.

Owen Sharp, CEO of Dogs Trust welcomed the Bill:

 For too long dogs have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous breeders and criminals who have taken advantage of loopholes to mistreat innocent animals, all to make money with no care for their welfare.
We are delighted that the Puppy Smuggling Bill has now passed the House of Commons Stage, a huge step for animal welfare, which means we are one step closer to this dreadful trade becoming a thing of the past.