I have been contacted by a large number of my constituents about the debate that is going ahead today about the regulation of the sale of puppies and kittens.

I will be supporting the debate in Parliament today as I believe animals should not be treated as an ordinary commodity to be bought and sold without due consideration for their welfare.

As an individual who cares deeply about animal welfare I believe that all breeders should have to follow the high animal welfare standards enshrined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Should they not follow these standards, real penalties should be strictly and properly enforced.

We also need to take a closer look at the buying and selling of dogs in all licensed breeding establishments – not just in pet shops and promote responsible dog ownership and education

This Government seems to have failed to deal with the issue of dog welfare and should do more to promote responsible ownership. I am pleased, therefore, that Labour is taking a very different approach and is committed to working with animal welfare organisations to improve the way that dogs are bred and the conditions they are kept in.

The UK Government have recently confirmed that they do not plan to review existing laws relating to dog breeding and puppy farming. I hope that the Government will now think again and listen to the concerns raised in today’s debate in the House of Commons.