BETRAYED

Callous Tories axe Bill targeting cruell puppy smugglers

- ASHLEY COWBURN

Political Correspondent RISHI Sunak has been accused of an "astonishing betrayal" after scrapping an animal welfare Bill aimed at tackling puppy smuggling.

The Tories' 2019 election manifesto promised to introduce new laws which also included banning exports of livestock for slaughter.

Tough powers for police were also promised to give greater protection to farm animals from dangerous dogs while improving regulations in zoos.

The Prime Minister, who has a labrador retriever called Nova, pledged to champion the Kept Animals Bill during last year's Tory leadership race.

But in an update yesterday, Environment Minister Mark Spencer announced that it had been ditched.

He said key proposals will instead be brought forward "individually" before the next general election.

The minister blamed amendments tabled by Labour for the Government's controversial decision. He told MPs: "We remain fully committed to delivering our manifesto commitments.