Edward has met with the Dogs Trust in Parliament to add his backing to their campaign to tackle the plight of smuggled puppies and to help end this cruel trade.
The Dogs Trust has been investigating the problem since 2014, and through three undercover investigations has found that some unscrupulous breeders take advantage of, and profit 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, and sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
Over the last few months, nearly 100 dogs were seized by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) at the borders, as dealers take advantage of the increased demand for puppies in the run up to Christmas. Dogs Trust has found that of the puppies who do survive the appalling conditions they are forced to travel in, many require emergency treatment – with dehydration and malnutrition among the horrific conditions they suffer from as a result of travelling for thousands of miles in cramped conditions, with no food or water.
Dogs Trust has warned that although there is a rise in puppies illegally imported during the festive season, illegally imported puppies is a huge issue all year round. The organisation has issued advice to help anyone thinking of buying a puppy, to know what to look for, in a bid to stop buyers unwittingly fuelling the trade. The charity has also issued a plea to anyone thinking of getting a dog, to do their research or consider rehoming instead.
Edward said: “I’m very pleased to support the Dogs Trust in raising awareness of the plight of illegally imported puppies, who suffer the most harrowing of journeys at the hands of some unscrupulous dealers. It’s important that we build on the already very high animal welfare standards in the UK to do even more to tackle this cruel trade as we leave the EU, and I welcome the commitment by Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, to do just that.”