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Campaigners say Brexit will finally give Britain “an opportunity of a lifetime” to end the cruel and illegal puppy smuggling trade.

The Dogs Trust wants MPs to rewrite pet travel legislation to plug EU loopholes which see hundreds of pregnant and underage dogs shipped 1,000 miles from Eastern Europe in sickening conditions.

The call comes as an investigation by the charity predicts a rise in smuggling in the run-up to Christmas as demand for younger, cuter dogs increases online.

The charity’s Veterinary Director Paula Boyden said: “We’re calling on the Government to take urgent action to stop the illegal importation of puppies into the UK as Brexit approaches.

(Image: PA)

“Our investigations revealed shocking welfare conditions.

"There is no regard for the lives of these vulnerable puppies, subjected to gruelling journeys of over 30 hours in hot, cramped, filthy conditions with no toilet breaks and very little water.

“Some don’t survive – and those who do may have physical health and behavioural issues due to their poor start in life.

“Puppy smugglers are only concerned with making a profit, and the UK is an attractive market.

"Unsuspecting British shoppers will continue to buy puppies online in the run up to Christmas which may have been brought here illegally – the risk of bringing a puppy from Eastern Europe with diseases and behavioural problems into the home is very real.

“With Brexit close, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to put robust measures in place that protect dogs and the public.

“We urge the government to take forward our recommendations.”

MP and ex-Coronation Street actress Tracey Brabin said: “Countless very young and often ill puppies are smuggled into the UK every year – they suffer and the buyers often don’t get what they paid for. We need to stop puppy smuggling.”

The Dogs Trust is calling on the Government to make pre-travel checks far more robust, to impose stricter fines and deterrents and to align waiting periods after vaccination and quarantine with the incubation period of rabies.

Thinking of buying a puppy? Dogs Trust experts advise: See the mum and pup together; ask the breeder questions; visit more than once; get all paperwork before you go home; walk away if you have doubts or are put under pressure; report suspicious breeders or sellers.