Dog lovers in Tynedale and Ponteland may soon be assured of puppy welfare, thanks to a proposed law in Parliament.

The Animal Welfare (importation of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill would prohibit the importation of puppies under six months old.

Heavily pregnant dogs will also be banned from travelling, as well as 'mutilated' animals such as puppies with cropped ears.

Measures under the Bill will strengthen the Pet Travel Scheme, preventing fraudulent importation of animals for sale.

This also includes reducing the number of animals travelling to Great Britain under the scheme from five per person to five per vehicle, or three per foot or air passenger.

The Bill will also cover the importation of cats and ferrets into the country.

Hexham MP, Guy Opperman, is supporting the Bill in the House of Commons.

He said: "This piece of legislation is so important – not just to stop criminal gangs profiting from the suffering of young animals – but to end the pain loving families feel when their pet is found to be ill due to the way it was raised and brought into the country.

"By ensuring pets can only be brought into this country in the proper, legal, and correct way, this Bill will help bring puppy smuggling to an end.’’