SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has supported a new public awareness campaign launched by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at Westminster this week which aims to target the growing problem of the illicit and cruel UK puppy trade.
Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to support this important IFAW campaign to help make people aware of the potential pitfalls before buying a puppy which may have been farmed in squalid conditions and taken from its mother too soon, before it is eight weeks of age.
“It is terrible to think of these puppies being transported a great distance by dealers with little or no thought for their health or welfare.
“The mothers suffer greatly too, being made to produce litter after litter of puppies until they have outlived their usefulness.
“I therefore encourage everyone to watch and share IFAW’s film and to remember P.U.P.S.”
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