Eating dogs will be banned in the UK if 15 Conservative backbenchers are successful with proposed changes to the Brexit Agriculture Bill.

It is currently legal to 'humanely kill and eat a dog you own' in the UK. Who knew?

Proposals to change current laws come after the US Congress outlawed the eating of dog and cat meat in the US in 2018.

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It's also suggested the change in UK law would serve as an example to countries in the far east where consuming dog and cat meat is not only legal to do but also a popular activity.

In places like China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, it's estimated 30 million dogs a year are killed for their meat.

The MP for Clacton, Giles Watling, told The Sun: "It is simply not right to eat companion animals.

"There are also some incredibly cruel practices related to the eating of dogs around the world, such as the belief that the animals taste better if they die when stressed.

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"We want to lead by example alongside countries like the United States, Germany and Austria who have already implemented bans - not lag behind them, and I hope the Government will listen."

The Tory MP is leading the bid along with backing from two former ministers, Sir Robert Syms and Tracey Crouch and the former London mayor candidate Zac Goldsmith.

Anti Dog Meat Campaigners Outside Parliament. Credit: PA

Some opposition MPs, such as the Workington MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman, have shown interest in the bill changes and Hayman even held meetings with some campaign groups recently.

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Clacton's proposed changes would 'prohibit the human consumption, transport and possession of dog and cat meat' and would make the act punishable with a sentence of up to six months in prison.

In August 2018, the World Dog Alliance launched a campaign to put a stop to the consumption of dog meat in the UK.

Anti Dog Meat Campaigners In The US. Credit: PA

Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan has frequently been cited as a supporter of the campaign and has called the act of eating dog meat a 'disgusting habit'.

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The campaign is also backed by the UK Kennel Club as its secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: "We fully understand the impact that UK animal welfare laws can have on other countries, which is why we strongly support the World Dog Alliance's campaign to make it illegal for humans to eat dog meat in the UK.