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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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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.