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Third party puppy and kitten sales set to be banned
The legislation is planned to come into force on the 6 April 2020. 

‘Lucy’s Law’ legislation also aims to deter puppy smugglers 

A new law aimed at bringing an end to puppy and kitten farming is being laid before before Parliament today (13 May).

Known as ‘Lucy’s Law’, the legislation is planned to come into force on the 6 April 2020 and will ban the sale of puppies and kittens via third-party sellers such as pet shops and commercial dealers.

Announcing the move, environment secretary Michael Gove said the ban will give animals "the best possible start in life".

He added: “It will put an end to the early separation of puppies and kittens from their mothers, as well as the terrible conditions in which some of these animals are bred."

Defra stressed that the ban is also set to deter puppy smugglers, who abuse the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) by bringing underage animals into the UK for sale.

The law is named after Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who died in 2016 after being poorly mistreated on a Welsh puppy farm. Marc Abraham, Lucy’s Law campaigner and founder of Pup Aid said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Lucy’s Law is now being laid in Parliament and will come into effect from April 2020. For years irresponsible breeders in the UK and abroad, so-called puppy farmers, have depended on commercial third-party sellers – e.g. dealers and pet shops – to keep their breeding dogs and puppies in horrific conditions hidden from the public.

“Lucy’s Law is named after one of the sweetest, bravest dogs I’ve ever known, and is a fitting tribute to all the victims of the cruel third party puppy trade, both past and present.

“On behalf of my fellow grassroots campaigners I’d like to thank Mr Gove, Defra officials, and every single supporter, parliamentarian, celebrities, and ethical animal welfare organisation that has proudly helped make Lucy’s Law a reality.”

Claire Horton, chief Executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home also welcomed the news.

“Each year thousands of puppies are bred in terrible conditions and then sold for large sums of money to unsuspecting members of the public,” she said.  “A lot of these young pups will be sickly and under-socialised, leading to high vet bills and behavioural issues that a lot of new owners are sadly not able to deal with.

“Once these new regulations are approved, owners will have far greater reassurance that their new pet is happy and healthy, whether they buy from a responsible breeder or from a rescue centre such as Battersea.”

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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.