Julian Sturdy MP refuses to back bill to stop puppy smuggling and pet theft

Julian Sturdy MP York Outer refused 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. Now Conservative MPs including Julian Sturdy refused to back a motion to bring the bill back within the next month and instead launched yet another consultation. York 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 of York Outer to sign at libdems.org.uk/puppy .

Paula Widdowson, Deputy Group Leader York Liberal Democrats 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 Julian Sturdy has broken their promise to protect animals from cruel smuggling gangs. Julian Sturdy and this Conservative Government has left pet owners, animal welfare charities and residents of York rightfully angry. The Liberal Democrats want to see greater protections for puppies, with criminals who target our beloved pets handed harsher punishments.”