A Southampton MP has backed a charity's plans to tackle dog welfare issues.

Labour's Satvir Kaur joined Blue Cross at a special event in the House of Commons. The charity presented its 2024 manifesto, "It's a Dog's Life", which sets out key issues for the animal welfare sector.

The manifesto aims to improve dog breeding practices, with 85 per cent of the public supporting a system of registration and licensing for all breeders.

It also calls for tougher penalties for owners who fail to control their dogs, a measure supported by 74 per cent of the public.

The manifesto also seeks to end greyhound racing, citing that more than 2,700 racing greyhounds have died or been put to sleep between 2018 and 2023.

Becky Thwaites, Blue Cross head of public affairs said: "We were delighted that so many MPs joined us and that many are as passionate as we are to improve the lives of the nation’s dogs. Our manifesto charts the course of a dog’s life, highlighting the areas where legislative change is needed to ensure all pets are happy and healthy in a loving home."

Other issues addressed in the manifesto include the breeding of flat-faced dogs, better dog control, support for dog behaviour, regulation of dog groomers and walkers, banning electric shock collars, and extending employee bereavement leave to include the death of a pet.

Ms Kaur said: "It was a pleasure to join Blue Cross to discuss pet welfare at their recent event.

"As an animal lover, I am happy to add my support to improving the lives of our nation’s pets in this Parliament."

Blue Cross shared the story of Amber, a golden retriever used for breeding and then dumped in a field while heavily pregnant, emaciated, and ill.

Amber was found by a dog walker and taken to a vet, before being moved to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Oxfordshire.

The charity believes Amber's case highlights the need for its manifesto's measures to prevent other dogs from suffering due to irresponsible or poor breeding.