Andrew Rosindell M.P. has joined scores of Parliamentary colleagues in a cross-party letter to the BBC expressing "serious concerns" about the commissoning of a new BBC Three series "Will My Puppies Make Me Rich".
The letter is written by Henry Smith, M.P. for Crawley, and is addressed to Tim Davie CBE, the Director-General of the BBC. It is signed by 50 M.P.s, including Theresa Villiers, Sammy Wilson, Caroline Lucas, Sir Roger Gale, Sarah Champion and Alan Brown.
The letter asserts that "there have been huge rises in imported puppies as well as illegal and irresponsible breeding practices." It goes on to say "at a time when there are already serious welfare implications associated with poor breeding practices... urgent steps are required to safeguard and promote responsible dog breeding and dog welfare more generally."
According to the letter, "the production and broadcast of this programme has the potential to further contribute to welfare issues associated with poor breeding practices and ill-informed pet acquisition, and counter the collective efforts of animal welfare organisations to address this major problem."
The letter urges the BBC to "seriously reconsider the premise behind this programme.
Commenting, Andrew Rosindell M.P. said:
"It was grossly irresponsible for the BBC to commission this programme. At a time when we should be looking to lead the world in terms of animal welfare, our national broadcaster is working against this aim."
For information about Andrew's bill on pets in rented accommodation, click here.
