AN MP re-tabled an animal welfare bill related to the theft and smuggling of puppies after the government dropped it in May. 

The South Lakes MP Tim Farron created a private member's bill with text identical to the government's draft legislation on puppy smuggling. The new Pets (Theft and Importation) Bill seeks to prevent and punish the theft of dogs below a certain age and deter the unlawful importation of certain animals, including dogs, cats and ferrets. 

The bill is currently at the second reading stage. 

Mr Farron wrote a letter to Defra secretary Thérèse Coffey accusing the government of breaking a manifesto pledge and turning its back on puppies. 

Mr Farron said: "The Conservative party promised to deliver this Bill in their election manifesto, and the Government even drafted the wording of the new law. 

“It is shameful that this Conservative government would abandon their pledge to protect puppies from smugglers."

A Defra spokesperson said: “The UK is a world leader on animal welfare. We are committed to delivering the Kept Animals Bill measures individually during the remainder of this Parliament and look forward to progressing these. We will be setting out next steps in due course.”