Angela Smith MP has joined Dogs Trust to host its annual House of Commons reception where MPs were asked to support us in our mission to put an end to the cruel puppy smuggling trade.

Dogs Trust has been investigating the problem since 2014, and through three undercover investigations have found that unscrupulous breeders and dealers are taking advantage of, and profiting from, issues with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). As a result, underage puppies are being illegally imported into Great Britain from Central and Eastern Europe to be sold to unsuspecting consumers.

During the event, MPs were invited to take part in a photo opportunity, showcasing the horrendous conditions puppies are smuggled in, with Dogs Trust reporting extreme cases of puppies smuggled in baskets covered with cling-film and crammed into suitcases.

Event host, Angela Smith MP said: “I’m very pleased to support Dogs Trust in raising awareness of the plight of illegally imported puppies, who suffer the most harrowing of journeys at the hands of these unscrupulous dealers.

“It’s imperative that the Government takes immediate action by enforcing proper checks at the ports and on-the-spot fines to deter these breeders and dealers, as well as introducing revised legislation as a priority when the UK leaves the EU. We really hope this will help to effectively regulate pet travel.”

Adrian Burder, Dogs Trust CEO, added: “It’s a shame that we still have to remind people of our slogan, ‘A dog is for Life, not just for Christmas’ nearly 40 years on from its creation.”