PET shops and garden centres should be banned from selling kittens and puppies, according to a Bolton MP.

Julie Hilling also wants prospective owners to be able to see a young animal interact with its mother, before making a purchase.

The Bolton West MP was speaking as part of a debate calling on the Government to introduce changes to legislation regarding the sale of puppies and kittens.

Ms Hilling said: “Buyers should always have the opportunity to see the pup or kitten with its mum — this is a good way of ensuring the animal is being properly socialised and looked after.

“Methods of selling puppies and kittens have changed considerably and it’s important the Government look at all the different ways people buy, deal and trade in these animals.

“I would like to see a comprehensive set of solutions for the ways in which Government can tackle the problem and review how these animals, which we all cherish, are bred.”

Sarah Liley, manager of Jollyes pet shop in Crompton Way, Astley Bridge, said her shop does not sell puppies and kittens, and said she welcomed the proposals.

She said: “I would never buy a puppy if I didn’t see it with its mother.

“It’s important that they have that bond with their mother and that it is well socialised and used to people and noises.

“We sell small furries — such as rabbits and guinea pigs — and we are inspected to make sure we have the correct procedures in place, including who we are buying them from, what age the animals are and who we sell them too.”

Ms Hilling has supported the family of tragic Jade Lomas-Anderson, since she was mauled to death by a pack of dogs at her friend’s home in Atherton in March 2013.

She has accompanied Jade’s mum and step-dad, Shirley and Michael Anderson, to Parliament to lobby the government to crack down on irresponsible dog owners and dog attacks at private properties.

She added: “I welcome the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping and prosecutions when dog attacks happen on private land.

"I will continue to press the government to ensure the legislation and funding is available to tackle this issue so close to the hearts of residents in Bolton West.”

Ms Hilling also discussed taking further steps to end the cruel practice of irresponsible and unethical breeding — all moves backed by animal charities.