I have long been a campaigner on animal welfare, particularly in relation to dog theft, where I campaigned for tougher sentences for years. I was delighted to support the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act which came into law in 2021 and brought in tougher sentences for animal cruelty. I also supported the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019, otherwise known as Finn’s Law. In addition, I was delighted to host the first ever Dog Theft Awareness Day at an event in Parliament and I have a long association with the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPRA). More recently, I am co-sponsoring the Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog Attacks) Bill which has been introduced as a Ten Minute Rule Bill by my colleague, Anna Firth MP.
