Sharon joins campaign to stamp out dog fighting

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Oct 2007

Sharon and Saffy the dog

South East Lib Dem MEP, Sharon Bowles, is backing a European Parliament campaign to stamp out dog fighting in the EU. The campaign follows an August 2007 BBC Panorama programme, which exposed the barbaric practice of dog fighting within Europe and the disturbing trade in fighting dogs within the EU.

Having signed a European Parliament Written Declaration to Stamp out Dog Fighting in the EU, Sharon commented: "Dog fighting is barbaric and devoid of any aspect of legitimate sport. Current provisions are clearly not working in deterring individuals from becoming involved in such activities.

"The agencies charged with tackling this problem seem incapable of bringing those responsible to justice.

"We need to send a clear message that there are serious consequences for taking part in something as appalling as dog fighting. A coordinated approach is essential to ensure an end to the practice of dog fighting, to place a greater responsibility on the keepers of dangerous dogs, and to regulate the trade of dogs into and across the EU."

ENDS