Puppy Smuggling Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Tuesday 2nd April 2019

(5 years, 7 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Chris Evans Portrait Chris Evans
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Sorry. I know my hon. Friend is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter. If the change cannot be brought in by Government, they should at least provide time for a private Member’s Bill so we can introduce it forthwith. The change has been promised for a long time, and the issue is ongoing. Action needs to be taken now.

Philip Hollobone Portrait Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair)
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Ah! Sir Roger, I am afraid you have only a minute, but you are welcome to it.

Roger Gale Portrait Sir Roger Gale
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That is fine, Mr Hollobone. I will make three points very quickly in a minute. First, I live 15 miles from Dover. I use the cross-Channel ferries about 16 times a year. I am subjected to regular checks. The police are searching for firearms, drugs and terrorists. I cannot believe they cannot find puppies too.

Secondly, this is about money. We have to kill the trade, and the way we do that is by taking away the vehicle and crushing it in front of the owner on the quayside at Dover.

Thirdly, my son is a vet in a small animal practice. He picks up the bits of this trade time after time. It is miserable. The people who buy the puppies face considerable distress. The short answer is public education: if it is cheap, it is probably also nasty.