I was proud to speak in the chamber in support of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill to help safeguard and strengthen our animal welfare.
Animal welfare is close to my heart and it's one of the top issues that my constituents raised with me. The RSPCA figures reveal, that about 3000 complaints about animal cruelty are made in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire every year. Sadly, the West Midlands is one of the ten animal cruelty hot spots over the last five years.
I'm grateful for the work being done locally by RSPCA (England & Wales) staff and volunteers who transform the lives of thousands of animals in Staffordshire every year. I also spoke about several of my constituents who selflessly volunteer at Animal Lifeline in Stoke-on-Trent, a fantastic charity that has cared for dogs for over 40 years with approximately 100 dogs in care at any one time.
