DWYFOR Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has repeated calls for an immediate ban on puppy farming.

Plaid Cymru MP, Mrs Saville Roberts joined a rally outside Westminster organised by Cariad, the campaign group dedicated to end the practice of puppy farming and illegal dog trading.

Wales is recognised as one of the worst areas for the practice.

Speaking following the event, Mrs Saville Roberts said: “Thousands of puppies and breeding dogs suffer and die needlessly as a result of low welfare, high volume breeding on establishments commonly known as puppy farms.

“Horrifyingly, this practice is still legal in the UK along with third party puppy dealing – the selling of puppies through pet shops and puppy dealers.

“This is an issue I have long-campaigned on and will continue to campaign on throughout this parliament.

“As a party, Plaid Cymru supports the introduction of an European-level Animal Welfare Commissioner and the adoption at all government levels of the new and comprehensive Animal Welfare law to end animal cruelty.

“I have also called for the creation of an Animal Abuse Register for Wales to prevent reoffending and to stop offenders from being able to take care of animals again.

“We must push for stronger regulations than those currently being proposed and I will continue to put pressure on DEFRA to include a ban on the third-party selling of puppies in the proposed new licencing regulations.

“I am proud of the progress we have made regarding animal welfare across the UK, however we must do more to further protect animals.”