It is estimated that 130,000 dogs were abandoned in 2020 with figures set to rise in 2021 due to Corona Virus. Lockdown saw an increase in people buying puppies and dogs but then realising they couldn’t cope with them. I want to change the way we are able to purchase dogs in the UK. If we own a car we must have a license and insurance. I am proposing we do the same for dogs and other pets. This would ensure dogs get homed with people and families who have been through a process to ensure they have the correct knowledge to care for their dog or pet and understand the responsibility in owning a dog, to gain a license and have the relevant insurance to care for their dog or pet should it get sick or injured. Breeders would have to check their license, home environment and work commitments prior to selling their puppies and when rehoming a dog the current owners or rescue centre would have to do the same. I also want to include stronger sentencing for cruelty to animals, make it law that anyone giving up a pet must do so at a proper shelter without judgement as well as having stronger sentencing for stealing dogs from their owners or shelters as these numbers have also risen in 2020 and are set to increase in 2021.