Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami joins call for tougher penalties for dog fighting

Deeside MP Mark Tami attended a reception this week at the Houses of Parliament held by animal welfare campaigners League Against Cruel Sports.

The organisation highlight the horrific reality of dog fighting and campaign for tougher sentencing and a national register to tackle the scourge of dog fighting across the UK.

A dog fight takes place every day somewhere in the UK. Dog fighting is not purely a matter of animal welfare.
Evidence from the UK and abroad points to the activity being a ‘gateway’ crime to serious and organised offences, such as drug and gun crime.

In the United States dog fighting is recognised as a Grade A felony by the FBI and the practice of tackling dog fighting to prevent other crimes is well established.

Mark Tami said:
“There are thousands of dog owners in my constituency and they will be shocked to hear how animals in the dog fighting world are abused.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, so we need to treat our pets with the respect they deserve. Further action is needed to tackle this sadistic bloodsport – including stiffer sentences as a deterrent to those who force dogs to fight one another.”

The event brought together celebrities, animal welfare groups, and MPs from across Party lines to condemn dog fighting and call on the Government to act