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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.