Reading West MP refuses to back bill to stop puppy smuggling and pet theft

Alok Sharma MP has refused to back a bill to end puppy smuggling, pet theft and live animal exports from the UK. 

On the 21st of June, the opposition attempted to force the Government to bring back the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. Weeks earlier the Government had dropped the Bill, breaking a manifesto promise to put an end to puppy smuggling, pet theft and live animal exports.

The Liberal Democrats re-tabled the Government puppy smuggling bill and called on Conservative MPs to honour their manifesto pledge. But the Tory MPs including Alok Sharma refused to back the motion and instead launched yet another consultation. 

Reading Liberal Democrats have criticised this move, accusing the government of breaking another manifesto promise, 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 Reading to sign at libdems.org.uk/puppy  

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor James Moore 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 Alok Sharma has broken the party’s promise to protect animals from cruel smuggling gangs. 

“Alok Sharma and this Conservative Government have left pet owners, animal welfare charities and residents of Reading rightfully angry.

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