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Ban on third-party puppy and kitten sales confirmed
"This is a real victory for grassroots campaigners as well as the UK’s dogs and cats" - Marc Abraham.
Anyone planning to adopt a cat or dog under six months must deal with breeder or rehoming centre

Third-party sales of puppies and kittens will be banned under new legislation announced by the government.

The ban, known as ‘Lucy’s Law’, means that anyone planning to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten under six months must deal directly with the breeder or with an animal rehoming centre.  

Campaigners hope it will bring an end to puppy farming and make it harder for high volume low welfare breeders - both licensed and unlicensed - which are reliant on third-party sellers.

Animal welfare minister David Rutley said: “This ban on third-party sales of puppies and kittens is part of our commitment to make sure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life.

“I pay tribute to the Lucy’s Law campaign and the many stakeholders who have passionately campaigned for this ban. Today’s decision builds on our previous action in this area, including banning the sale of puppies under eight weeks and tackling the breeding of dogs with genetic disorders.”

Lucy’s Law campaign founder and TV vet Marc Abraham said: “This is a real victory for grassroots campaigners as well as the UK’s dogs and cats. On behalf of my phenomenal Lucy’s Law team I thank the government, and every animal lover, ethical animal welfare organisation, parliamentarian, and celebrity that’s helped make Lucy’s Law’s ban on third-party puppy and kitten sales a reality.”

The decision was taken following a public consultation, from which there was more than 95 per cent support for a ban.

Battersea’s chief executive Claire Horton said: “Battersea welcomes today’s government confirmation that third-party sales of puppies and kittens will be banned. Properly enforced, this will help put an end to dogs being used as breeding machines and kept in shocking conditions.

“The days of unscrupulous puppy dealers lining their pockets with no regard for animal welfare must now come to an end. This ban makes breeders properly accountable for the puppies they produce and will now give future owners the reassurance that they can adopt their new dog or cat from a safe and trusted source and ideally from a rescue centre.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.