To celebrate the progress of two new pieces of legislation, which will bring forward a specific law to steal pets and strengthen existing laws against puppy smuggling, Dr Luke Evans MP ran a campaign to find Hinckley and Bosworth’s favourite dog breed.
Hundreds of people across Hinckley and Bosworth voted for their favourite dog breed, with Labradors securing the most votes out of 51 breeds which were nominated.
Other breeds which received a high number of nominations from local people include Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and Cockapoos.
People were invited to share reasons why the breed they nominated deserves to win, with people leaving comments such as “Old English Sheepdogs are such clowns, they have no idea of their size and as big as they are they still want to be lap dogs” and “I have a Frenchie and he is the most loving, loyal, sweetest dog I’ve ever owned. His personality literally shines through.”
A resident who voted for rescue dogs said “Because giving a chance to a dog that has been let down by people is a privilege. Watching them learn that people can be safe and not hurt them and can actually be a good thing is priceless.”
The survey was carried out to raise awareness of two new pieces of legislation, The Animal Welfare (importation of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill and The Pet Abduction Bill which, among other things, targets puppy smuggling and makes it a criminal offence to steal pets.
The Bills build on the Government’s efforts to enhance animal welfare standards after the UK was the first country in the world to introduce animal cruelty offences.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed the Bills saying “We are a nation of animal lovers, but I know Hinckley and Bosworth – in particular – has a passion for pets! I‘ve lived around animals my whole life and I’m now the proud owner of two mischievous whippets, Ada and Roux.
“While I was disappointed to see whippets didn’t win… I can understand why Labradors won. After all, they have a great temperament, are friendly, welcoming and greet everyone with a smile… just like our community!
“Since becoming your MP in 2019 I have campaigned for stronger protections for our beloved pets and harsher punishments for those who seek to do them harm, so it’s great to see two pieces of legislation coming forward which will target puppy smuggling and make it a criminal offence to steal pets.”
