Michael Gove has announced a new ban on third party puppy and kitten sales in England. The ban 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.
“A ban on third party sales will ensure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life. People who have a complete disregard for pet welfare will no longer be able to profit from this miserable trade.” Environment Secretary Michael Gove on the ban.
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 Theresa May 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, Michael Gove, 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.
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.
Our co- Founder was delighted to be invited to 10 Downing Street at the invitation of Secretary of State Michael Gove who was holding a reception to mark the campaign to ban third party puppy sales, 21 August 2018
The day was a great success for the cause as we mingled with politicians including Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Neil Parish MP, Alex Chalk MP and celebrities. The reception was a great opportunity to be together and celebrate the success of the campaign to ban third party puppy sales led by Pup Aid Founder and Vet Marc Abraham. Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation proposed a ban on third party puppy sales in our Blueprint document’ Brexit: Opportunities for Animal Welfare’ handed to No10 Downing Street together with our Patron Sir Roger Gale MP in January 2017.
Michael Gove delivered an excellent speech on banning third party puppy sales.
Our MP Patrons have all campaigned for and spoken out for a ban on third party puppy sales, including at the recent debate to ban third party puppy sales in May 2018 .
