West Dorset MP Chris Loder's Animal Welfare Bill has completed the House of Commons stages.

The Bill increases the maximum penalty for certain offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from six months to up to five years.

Mr Loder said: "I am delighted that my Bill has finished its passage through the House of Commons and now goes to the House of Lords.

"This small, but important, change in law will help protect animals across the country. We are renowned as a nation of animal lovers and there is overwhelming public support for this Bill."

He is determined to change the law before the end of this parliamentary session. The Bill is set to begin its stages in the House of Lords and Mr Loder wants to get it signed into law before the Queen's speech, which is expected in May.

Mr Loder says his own dog, Poppy, a four-year-old springer spaniel, is his inspiration for the Bill. She was abandoned at the roadside in West Dorset in January 2019 but is now the Loder family's much-loved farm dog.

Poppy was in a very poorly condition when the MP found her on a stormy night and needed emergency veterinary care for long-term issues that the previous owners should have addresses.

The MP has support from cross-party MPs, Defra, the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and other leading animal welfare organisations.

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