UNSUSPECTING dog lovers are being duped into buying puppies that have been illegally imported into the UK.

Politicians are forming a new puppy smuggling taskforce and a Sussex MP has signed up to help fight the cruel trade.

According to The Dogs Trust, thousands of puppies are smuggled into the country before being sold online.

The charity said puppies are often transported thousands of miles across Europe with little water, no food, exercise or toilet breaks.

As a result, they suffer significant health problems and lifelong behavioural challenges.

Some puppies die shortly after arriving in the UK, leaving their buyers helpless and heartbroken.

The Argus: Sussex MP Maria Caulfield has joined the Puppy Smuggling Taskforce.Sussex MP Maria Caulfield has joined the Puppy Smuggling Taskforce.

Lewes and Polegate MP Maria Caulfield wants to raise awareness of the “abhorrent trade.”

She said: “At a time when demand for dogs in the UK has never been higher, I want to urge my constituents to really do their research before buying a puppy advertised for sale online, as it’s all too easy to be duped into buying a dog that’s been illegally smuggled into the country.”

“Dogs Trust has been campaigning on this issue for many years now, and I’m proud to be able to say I’m part of the puppy smuggling taskforce to help put a stop to puppies needlessly suffering at the hands of criminals.”

Dogs Trust claim the current legislation “is not fit for purpose” and is calling for a change to the law.

The charity wants the government to raise the minimum age for puppies to be imported into the UK to six months to help make them less desirable.

There are also calls to bring in tougher penalties for smuggling pups to deter sellers.

More MPs have been urged to get involved amid warnings that further delays could cause more “suffering for innocent puppies.”

Paula Boyden, veterinary director and Dog’s Trust, said: “Sadly, we continue to see more and more heart-breaking examples of puppies being illegally imported into the country.

“Puppy smugglers are making vast profits by exploiting innocent puppies, breeding and transporting them in appalling conditions to sell onto dog lovers here in the UK.

"Enough is enough, Government must take immediate action as too many puppies are suffering at the hands of cruel traders and too many dog lovers are being left to pick up the pieces.

“There has never been a more urgent need to end the appalling puppy smuggling trade.”

For more information about Dog Trust’s fight against puppy smuggling visit: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/news-events/issues-campaigns/puppy-smuggling/