Fresh push for new laws to crack down on 'cruel' puppy and kitten smuggling after Rishi Sunak's early election saw planned legislation abandoned

The Liberal Democrats are mounting a fresh push for new laws to crack down on 'cruel' puppy and kitten smuggling.

Sir Ed Davey's party will commit to introducing new legislation to combat the 'vile' trade in their general election manifesto.

It comes after previous plans for new laws, backed by the Government, were abandoned following Rishi Sunak's decision to call the election for 4 July.

There are fears that thousands of animals are imported illegally into Britain every year, before being sold for huge profits by organised crime networks.

Total dog import numbers have soared in recent years, doubling between 2020 and 2023.

They increased by a staggering 61 per cent (101,000) in just one year from 2021 to 2022.

The Tories pledged in their manifesto before the 2019 general election to crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies.

But Mr Sunak scrapped planned animal welfare legislation - known as the Kept Animals Bills - after he became PM.

The Government later backed a Private Members' Bill focused on bringing forward tougher powers to tackle illegal cat and dog smuggling.

Yet the Bill was unable to complete its passage through Parliament before Mr Sunak called this year's election earlier than most had expected.

Under the Lib Dems' proposed new legislation, there would be a reduction in the number of pets that people can bring into the country.

It would empower police and customs officials to restrict the import of pregnant animals, and animals that have been mutilated - such as with cropped ears and tails.

Authorities would also be allowed to seize any animals they deem as vulnerable or suspect to have been smuggled, with prosecutions for anyone charged under the new laws.

Tim Farron, the party's environment spokesman, said: 'The Conservatives have an appalling record on pet smuggling, letting criminals off the leash.

'It's utterly shameful that they've abandoned puppies to smugglers and don't seem to care.

'We're a nation of dog and cat lovers — we must do everything in our power to keep animals and their owners safe.

'Liberal Democrats would tackle this with dogged determination, to crack down on these vile criminals and deliver justice for thousands of victims.'

Danny Chambers, the Lib Dems' general election candidate in Winchester, said: 'As a practising vet I have seen so many animals who have suffered at the hands of criminals.

'The owners of these dogs, whether bought as a puppy or rescued, are unaware of the criminal activities behind them arriving in the UK.

'It is sadly a common occurrence to see dogs who have been cruelly mutilated and brought into the UK to be sold at high prices.

'The Conservatives' failure to bring forward legislation has had a devastating impact on animal welfare and pet owners in this country.

'I am proud that the Liberal Democrats have committed to stop this cruel practice.'