A ban on third party puppy sales is to be explored by the
government as part of a package of reforms to drive up welfare
standards, the Environment Secretary Michael Govehas announced
today.
A call for evidence is launched today seeking views on a possible
ban on third party sales, which would mean anyone looking to buy
or adopt a dog will either deal directly with the breeder or with
one of the nation’s many animal rehousing centres.
A raft of measures to crack down on unscrupulous puppy breeders
set out by the Prime Minister in December have also been laid in
Parliament today.
Environment Secretary said:
“We need to do everything we can to make sure the nation’s much
loved pets get the right start in life. From banning the sale of
underage puppies to tackling the breeding of dogs with severe
genetic disorders, we are cracking down on sellers who have a
total disregard for their dogs’ welfare.
“This is a further step to raise the bar on animal welfare
standards. We are also introducing mandatory CCTV in all
slaughterhouses and increasing maximum prison sentences tenfold
for animal abusers.”
The legislation being put before parliament today will come into
force later this year, including:
- Banning licensed sellers from dealing in puppies and kittens
under the age of eight weeks;
- Ensuring that licensed dog breeders show puppies alongside
their mother before a sale is made;
- Tackling the sale of weak underage puppies and the breeding
of unhealthy dogs and dogs with severe genetic disorders;
- Introducing compulsory licensing for anyone in the business
of breeding and selling dogs;
- Requiring puppy sales to completed in the presence of the new
owner, preventing online sales where prospective buyers have not
seen the animal first;
- Insisting licensed dog breeders can only sell puppies they
have bred themselves.
These plans have been widely welcomed by charities.
RSPCA deputy chief executive Chris Wainwright said:
“We are delighted that Defra is considering a ban on third party
sales of puppies. We believe that cracking down on unscrupulous
traders, who put profit ahead of animal welfare, will provide
much-needed protection for prospective pet owners and
puppies.
“We have always said that an end to third party sales alone would
not be enough to end the puppy trade crisis and we are pleased
that this is being looked at alongside enhanced licensing
conditions for breeders which will come into force later this
year.
“Together, we hope these moves will offer better protection to
puppies and their parents and also reduce the number of families
duped by rogue traders in this illegal multi-million-pound
trade.”
Mayhew rehoming centre’s CEO Caroline Yates said:
“We are really pleased today to hear that there will be a call
for evidence on banning third party sales of animals. It is a
real issue that animal welfare organisations are very concerned
about. Getting a dog or cat is not a commercial business and
these big puppy farms have no regard for their health or welfare.
“Owners are being duped into buying animals from these places and
the resulting sickness and poor treatment means there is also an
additional burden on animal welfare charities that are mopping up
the problem.”
Launching the call for evidence on a ban, Environment Secretary
invited all interested parties
to share their views by 2
May 2018 on how this could best be introduced.
The government recently consulted on plans to increase maximum
prison sentences for animal abusers to five years and recognise
animal sentience in domestic law. The consultation closed on 31
January and we are now considering the responses. We will set out
next steps in due course.
