South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne has welcomed government support for a ban on third party puppy and kitten sales in England, ensuring stronger protections for animals.
Confirming the government’s support for the prominent Lucy’s Law campaign, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published a consultation on an outright ban on third party puppy and kitten sales. This 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.
This step follows a commitment by the Prime Minister to crack down on cruel puppy farms, bring an end to the grisly conditions found in puppy farming and tackle a range of existing animal welfare issues.
Mr Dunne said: “As a nation of animal lovers, people rightly expect that the government should take action to tackle irresponsible breeders. This is a very welcome step, as we know bad conditions and a chaotic start in life and lead to serious health problems and lack of socialisation for puppies and kittens.
No longer will people who have a complete disregard for pet welfare be able to profit from this miserable trade.”
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.
As part of 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.