28 February 2007 : Press Release

Geoffrey Cox campaigns for the end of puppy farming

Torridge and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox has called on the Government to ban the farming of puppies. The barbaric practice, which sees dogs bred in cramped and cruel conditions and often results in ill health for the animals, has been widely condemned by animal rights groups. Last year, Geoffrey Cox and his family provided a home for four year-old bull mastiff Buelah, who had been used for puppy farming, and then thrown out on to the streets after her useful breeding life had finished.

Mr Cox tabled a Parliamentary Question calling for the Government to ban puppy farming. In its response, the Government confirmed its intention to introduce stricter new regulations on dog-breeding following the passage of the recent Animal Welfare Act.

Geoffrey Cox said: “I am implacably opposed to this disgusting practice and have urged the Government to take stronger action against those who engage in this type of cruelty. No reputable breeder would engage in these practices, and no dog should ever be treated in the manner commonly seen in puppy farms. I will be certain to press the Government hard to introduce tough and meaningful punishments and deterrents for puppy farming.”