DOG lovers across Worcester have been bombarding the city's MP calling for better protection for puppies - which could now lead to changes in the law.

Robin Walker says he is prepared to back a growing campaign to help solve the emotional trauma of young canines separated from their mother too early.

MPs in parliament held an impassioned debate about the puppy trade on Thursday, saying secondary legislation could now be brought forward to clamp down what he calls a "cruel" trade.

A motion on it, which also mentioned kittens, called for greater Government-led controls on the buying and selling of young pets.

Mr Walker, who comes from a family of dog lovers, says he's had around 100 pieces of correspondence about it in recent weeks from Worcester people, making it the "number one issue" in his inbox.

The Conservative told your Worcester News he is concerned too many puppies suffer, especially in the internet age of cheap buying and selling of pets.

"I have let ministers know the strength of feeling about this in Worcester because I've had a lot of letters about it," he said.

"I'd like to see greater controls brought in to prevent puppies being taken away so young - there is evidence to suggest that being separated from the mother causes both health and emotional issues.

"It's something people want to see changes on - online trading is something I am particularly concerned about because it can be cruel.

"The message needs to get out there that anyone buying a kitten or puppy should always ask to see the mother - you should always be able to do that if you're taking that pet on."

Mr Walker has urged ministers to look at tighter controls around the industry, which has already won considerable cross-party support.

It comes as a campaign group called Pup Aid has launched an online petition in an attempt to outlaw sales of kittens and puppies unless the mother is present.

More than 110,000 people across the country have signed it so far.

To add your name to it visit pupaid.org.