North Thanet`s  MP Sir Roger Gale has pledged his support on the issue of puppy smuggling today at a parliamentary event run by the UK’s leading dog welfare charity Dogs Trust.

The event took place in the House of Commons, to mark more than ten years of the charity’s efforts to end puppy smuggling.

The Dogs Trust team spoke to Sir Roger about their pioneering Puppy Pilot scheme, which was introduced in 2015 to aid the interception of illegally imported puppies and provide care and rehabilitation for them until they find loving new homes. Since its inception, Dogs Trust has cared for over 3,100 illegally imported puppies, which, if sold to unsuspecting members of the public, would have made over £4.5 million for their illegal importers.

Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, said:

“We are delighted that so many MPs came down to our event to show their support for this important cause, and we hope that the loopholes that allow for this cruel trade to continue will soon be closed.