There was a surge in pet purchases during COVID-19 lockdowns but MPs are now concerned about their welfare as people are at home less and the cost of living bites. They are also worried about cruel practices such as ear cropping and de-clawing of cats.

MPs have launched an inquiry into “designer dogs” and other types of animal abuse following an increased demand for pets during the pandemic.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will look into a variety of abuses committed against pets and is calling for experts to submit written evidence now.

Puppy farms – high volume dog breeding facilities – that sometimes breed “designer dogs” and the importation of heavily pregnant bitches and cats are of great concern, the cross-party committee said.

Designer dogs see two purebred dogs purposefully bred to select the “best” characteristics of each dog, which could include looks. Cockapoos are one example of the first designer breeds. Puggles, a mix between pug and beagle, is another.

But some puppy farms, which are illegal, have been claiming to breed these sought-after dogs when they are actually just mutts, many with behavioural problems and genetic illnesses.

As people had more time to look after pets during the COVID-19 lockdowns, there was a well-documented increase in demand, especially for dogs.

But the committee stated that evidence indicates these horrific practices increased during this time, as unscrupulous breeders attempted to profit from the situation.

There are additional concerns about the current pandemic, such as people buying pets and having to spend less time caring for them.

The cost of living has caused people to lose the ability to take care of their pets and have begun to give them up or to charity.

This has resulted in increased pressure on veterinarians and animal charities. The inquiry will examine what the government can do to help them and how it can stop cruel and unjust practices.

The committee will also examine mutilation such as the ear-cropping of dogs and cats in order to determine if it is legal.

They will also examine whether the current penalties, and probability of prosecution, for animal abuse act as a sufficient deterrent.

Sir Robert Goodwill (Tory chairman of the committee) said that “having previously called Defra into account on the topic of pet smuggling we now have evidence of abuse of animals in the pet trade.”

“The committee aims to understand the causes and to find solutions to problems”.

“Unregulated back-yard breeding of ‘designer dogs’, not to mention cruel practices such as the declawing of cats for cosmetic purposes, should not take place anywhere – let alone in our country, which is known as a nation of animal lovers.”