"Putting a stop to third party sales is a step in the right direction to improving the welfare of breeding cats and their kittens." - Jacqui Cuff.

‘Lucy’s Law’ will come into effect on 6 April

Charity Cats Protection has released a statement welcoming the introduction of a new law which will ban the commercial sale of kittens and puppies from third parties in England.

‘Lucy’s Law’ – named after a spaniel used for breeding at a puppy farm in South Wales – will come into force on 6 April and will make it illegal for anyone other than the breeder to sell kittens and puppies commercially.

The legislation will mean 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. This will help to protect animal welfare and deter illegal smugglers and traders.

Cats Protection’s head of advocacy and government relations Jacqui Cuff said: “Cats Protection regularly hears harrowing stories of kittens which have been sold by third party sellers – individuals who acquire kittens for sale with the sole interest of making a profit.

“Kittens sold in this way are frequently separated from their mothers far too young and may have been bred in poor conditions which leave them sick, diseased or under-socialised. Their new owners may be left with hefty veterinary bills or with a cat which is not used to being around people and won’t make a good pet.

“Putting a stop to third party sales is a step in the right direction to improving the welfare of breeding cats and their kittens. But there is still more to be done, and Cats Protection would like the Government to go further by introducing regulation of cat breeding, ensuring that breeders are subject to licensing and inspection.”