A DISTRICT MP is calling on the Government to explain what it intends doing to help stamp out dog fighting.

Philip Davies, whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme, said not enough was being done to combat the "disgusting practice".

He said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) must set out what action it is taking.

Mr Davies added: "There are far too many dog thefts in my part of the world – many of the animals are used as bait for dog fighting, which is absolutely disgusting.

"There doesn't appear to be enough done about this by law enforcement and animal welfare agencies.

"Can we have a statement from the Secretary of State as to what he intends to do to clamp down on this disgusting practice?"

Commons leader Andrea Leadsom urged Mr Davies to contact the Government department on the "important matter".

She added: "There is no doubt we are a nation of real dog lovers and as Secretary of State for DEFRA I spent lots of time trying to improve the rules on puppy licensing to get backstreet breeders out of the way to try to improve the issues around animal welfare and so on."