A ban on third party puppy and
kitten sales in England will be introduced to help drive up
animal welfare standards, the Environment Secretary
announced today (Aug 22).
Confirming the government’s support for the
prominent Lucy’s Law campaign, Defra has published a consultation
on an outright ban that will mean anyone looking to buy or adopt
a puppy or kitten must either deal directly with the breeder or
with one of the nation’s many animal rehoming centres.
The steps follow a commitment by the Prime
Minister in December to crack down on
cruel puppy farms, and aim to bring an end to the grisly
conditions found in puppy farming and tackle a range of existing
animal welfare issues.
These include the early separation of puppies
and kittens from their mothers, their introduction to new and
unfamiliar environments and the increased likelihood of multiple
journeys the puppies or kittens have to undertake. All of which
can contribute to a chaotic start in life and lead to serious
health problems and lack of socialisation.
Environment Secretary, , said:
“A ban on third party sales will ensure the
nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life. I pay
tribute to the Lucy’s Law campaign, spearheaded by PupAid, Care
And Respect Includes All Dogs (CARIAD), and Canine Action
UK, who have fought tirelessly for this step.
“People who have a complete disregard for pet
welfare will no longer be able to profit from this miserable
trade.”
The proposed ban on third party sales is part
of a series of government reforms on pet welfare including
banning the sale of underage puppies and kittens and tackling the
breeding of dogs with severe genetic disorders. New laws come
into force on 1 October this year banning licensed sellers from
dealing in puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks and
tightening the compulsory licensing of anyone in the business of
breeding and selling dogs.
Marc Abraham, of PupAid,
said:
"I'm delighted with the news that Lucy's Law
is finally going to happen. For years irresponsible breeders in
the UK and abroad, e.g. puppy farmers, have always used third
parties to keep themselves well-hidden from the
buying public. By banning third party sellers, Lucy's
Law will ensure all breeders are accountable, making it the first
major step in tackling puppy farm cruelty.
“Lucy's Law is a tribute to Lucy and all the
victims of the third party puppy trade; and I thank all my fellow
campaigners, supporters, parliamentarians, celebrities &
ethical animal welfare organisations for their help in protecting
the future health and happiness of this country's dogs and
cats."
David Bowles, assistant director of
public affairs at the RSPCA, said:
“The RSPCA knows first-hand the misery the
puppy trade causes to dogs and families. The only people who
profit from this unscrupulous trade are the sellers.
“We believe it’s vital to crackdown on this
underground trade to provide much-needed protection to dogs and
people, and welcome an end to the third-party sales of puppies.
Coupled with the new licensing regime and proper enforcement, we
believe the new system will help ensure better health and welfare
for dogs and will better protect people from being duped by
unscrupulous sellers.”
As part its animal welfare reform programme,
the Government is also bringing in higher maximum sentences of up
to five years for animal abusers – the toughest sentencing in
Europe.
Puppies and kittens are defined as being less
than six months old.
Editors notes:
- This consultation follows a Call for Evidence on this ban
which ran from 8 February 2018 to 2 May 2018.
