ABANDONED ANIMALS AT CHRISTMAS

Early day motion 1297, tabled 19 December 2005 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 63 members.

That this House expresses its concerns over the high number of animals abandoned over the Christmas period; calls for more to be done to tackle the issue of abandoned animals including the use of licensing of pet vendors and greater education of potential owners; acknowledges the valuable work carried out by Yorkshire Animal Sanctuary and other professionally organised sanctuaries; notes that these sanctuaries are commonly staffed by volunteers and financed by the generosity of the British public; and commends organisations including the Cats Protection League and the RSPCA for their valuable work and for helping to remind everyone of the old adage that a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 10, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.