An online petition calling for better regulation of pet rescues and welfare centres has been launched.

‘No To Rogue Rescues’ is seeking 100,000 signatures to the petition, forcing a debate in Parliament on the need for licensing and regulation of dog and cat rescues to protect animal welfare.

The campaign, supported by the UK's largest lost and found dog service DogLost, says that many animal rescues across the UK do incredible work – but not all of them are held to the same standards.

There is no clear legal regulation for rescues, which leaves the door open for poor practices, neglect and irresponsible breeding.

The petition, which can be found at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/718660, has so far been signed by nearly 57,000 people.