REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has pledged her support to a campaign to end the illegal importation of dogs into Great Britain.

Mrs Maclean was one of 137 MPs supporting the Dogs Trust’s campaign under the Pet Travel Scheme.

The Dogs Trust has been investigating this problem since 2014 with its reports revealing shocking evidence of the Pet Travel Scheme being exploited by illegal puppy importers.

Research has found that the street value of dogs intercepted at the border is estimated to be over £1million pounds over the last four years – £500,000 on French Bulldogs alone.

The charity’s fourth report in October 2018 revealed further evidence of corrupt vets in Central and Eastern Europe falsifying documents for underage puppies to be brought into Great Britain, as well as pregnant dogs being smuggled so their puppies can be born in the UK and quickly sold on to unsuspecting buyers.

Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden said: “The complete disregard for the health and welfare of dogs being illegally imported is appalling.

"We need to see a number of changes, including visual checks on all dogs entering the UK, out of hours and weekend cover at ports by Government agencies and increased maximum penalties for those caught alongside punitive Fixed Penalty Notices.”

Mrs Maclean added: "I have long supported Dogs Trust in their efforts to raise awareness of the issue and tackle the abhorrent smuggling of puppies from Central and Eastern Europe to the UK. I was delighted to join the charity at 10 Downing Street to deliver the book of MP pledges.

"A considerable number of my constituents had contacted me after pledging their support urging me to get involved with this campaign as well, which as a dog owner, myself, I was more than happy to.

"I see it as my duty to help support and finally bring an end to puppy smuggling; by encouraging the Government to hopefully introduce tighter controls and stronger penalties to deter this horrific crime.”