I have been contacted by many constituents in advance of the debate on the dog meat trade.
Unfortunately, due to commitments which I was attending to in the constituency, I was unable to join the debate. However I did follow the proceedings and I share your concerns about this issue. Like you, I view the trade and consumption of dog meat as quite abhorrent, particularly where it involves cruelty to animals.
The Government has ensured that the UK continues to raise concerns with countries that engage in these practices. I would still like to see the high animal welfare standards which exist in this country implemented throughout the world.
While these countries are aware of the view the British people take on this matter, there are no international norms, laws or agreements governing it. We therefore have no legal grounds to intervene or take trade measures against countries where eating dog meat is regarded as culturally acceptable.
I do, however, welcome the work that non-governmental organisations such as Animal Asia Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conduct in Asian countries to protect dogs’ welfare.