MP backs RSPCA law change call after abandoned pitbull terrier was put to sleep after being dumped in Aldi bag

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow has backed the RSPCA’s calls for a law change after a dog had to be put to sleep after he was dumped in an Aldi bag in a city park.

Thousands of people were shocked to read Stanley, who was a pitbull terrier, had to be put to sleep after it was discovered the he was a banned breed.

He had been found hours from death in a park in Vermont Grove, Peterborough in September.

Stanley was described as being just skin and bones and he needed life saving treatment to survive.

However, sadly last month, the RSPCA said they had been left with no choice but to put him down.

A spokesperson said: “No one could fail to have been moved by those awful photos of a starving pup left to die in a shopping bag. He endured so much - and he’s been let down firstly by his owners and secondly by a law which is completely unfair and is failing to protect the public. The law needs to change so more dogs - like Stanley - aren’t needlessly put to sleep because of how they look.”

Now, Mr Bristow has said he raise the issue of a change in the law with ministers.

He said: “Stanley’s case was heart-breaking and the RSPCA make a very good case. I shall certainly raise this with ministers and see what can be done.

"The people who abandoned Stanley in a carrier bag are heartless and cruel. They deserve to be punished severely.”

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara said: “This is a very sad and distressing case and I commend the RSPCA for their care and effort for Stanley.

“I appreciate the points regarding changes to current legislation. This would, however, require very careful consideration to ensure that public safety remains at the heart of the matter.”

The RSPCA spokesperson added: “Anyone who feels heartbroken like us about this poor pup’s story, we would urge them to support our campaign to end breed specific legislation (BSL) by contacting their MP through our campaign’s page.”