Canine charity Dogs Trust is calling for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to “make good on Conservative election promises” and progress with vital legislation to ban the import of mutilated dogs in the UK.
The appeal comes shortly after the publication of which shows the majority of these dogs have been imported from abroad. Ear cropping is illegal across the UK as well as in the EU; it is however not illegal to sell or import dogs with cropped ears. Yet more dogs are cropped in the UK, and to avoid charges.
The importation of mutilated dogs is banned in the Kept Animals Bill, which however and has yet to proceed to the House of Lords.
Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, says, “The Kept Animals Bill would help to protect countless dogs from horrific mistreatment and has widespread public support and MP backing. So why, Prime Minister, has it not progressed since November 2021?
“While the Government delays, countless dogs, including imported dogs with cropped ears and illegally smuggled puppies and heavily pregnant mums, continue to suffer at the hands of unscrupulous traders. We’ve waited long enough.
“We’re asking our dog-loving nation to stand with us. Email the Prime Minister today – and demand that his Government delivers on its manifesto commitment to end the needless suffering of puppies and dogs. Stop the suffering. Bring back the Bill.”