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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th December 2013
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Harrods’ decision to stop puppy sales welcomed

Kennel Club and Dogs Trust welcome the news

World famous department store Harrods has decided to stop the sale of puppies in-store, with the closure of its Pet Kingdom department.

The news has been welcomed by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust and the move has been seen as a positive step in improving dog welfare.

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: “We are thrilled that puppies will no longer be sold in Harrods and would very much like to see all stores which sell puppies follow suit, as the sale of dogs in pet shops can unfortunately encourage puppy farmers.

However, Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, added: “Whilst Dogs Trust warmly welcomes the news of the closure of the Harrods Pet Kingdom, it is a shame that the stated reasons for it were motivated by commercial interests and not animal welfare.

“A pet shop is not an appropriate environment in which to sell puppies and kittens and our supporters have long expressed their concern about the UK’s most famous department store selling pets."

Caroline continued: “The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust have for many years now expressed concern over the sale of puppies in Harrods.

“Whilst Harrods has never sold puppies ‘over the counter’, ensuring that no one is simply allowed to buy a puppy on the spot, buying from any type of pet shop is something that we would never recommend as we would always advise that puppies are purchased direct from the breeder and seen with their mother at the breeder’s home.”

Both the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust continue to fight for a change in the law to prohibit the sale of dogs in pet shops, and believe that this, along with public education on dog ownership and how best to buy a dog, is the best way to protect the welfare of puppies being sold and bought.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.