THERE should be stricter sentences for those involved in dog fighting, the MP for Taunton Deane has said.

MP Rebecca Pow was speaking on dog fighting in a Westminster Hall Debate earlier this week.

Ms Pow, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, called for a better education for dog owners in the UK.

She said: "We need to go into our schools and educate our children, teach people about respect for animals and how to care for them and love them—and not to have animals unless they can do those things."

Ms Pow has called for stricter sentencing for people engaged in dog fighting, including more stringent fines. 

Magistrates in this country can currently give a penalty of up to six months for someone caught dog fighting. 

The MP also spoke on breeding and called for a reduction in the threshold required for dog licences from five litters to two.

She made reference to her recent visit to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, and congratulated the charity on the nurturing and rehabilitation they provide to abused dogs.

She added: "I think everyone agrees that this is a disgusting and appalling habit that we have allowed to carry on in our society. We have to crack down on it."