A Cumbrian MP has called for new legislation to protect cats.

Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson met with the All-Party Group on Cats (APGOCATS) to discuss cat theft, microchipping, and new animal health and welfare legislation at their parliamentary event.

The event was a chance to discuss these topics with charities and campaigners including Cats Protection.

Current proposals for a pet abduction offence only extend to dogs and Dr Hudson and APGOCATS are calling for cats to also be protected. 

Other government interventions being discussed included the Animal Welfare Bill which has stalled during its process through the parliament.

If made into law, the bill would help prohibit the import of dogs with cropped ears.

Dr Hudson has pushed for this legislation to include prohibiting the importation of mutilated cats too.

Charlotte Broad, from Cats Protection, said: “We know 90 per cent of cat owners see their pet as part of the family, so a decision to exclude cats from any new offences would be of extreme concern.”

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