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Wales drafting new law to ban third-party sales
The change would mean anyone looking to buy a puppy or a kitten would need to go via the breeder directly or consider going to a rehoming centre.

Officials drafting new legislation to end third-party puppy and kitten sales

The Welsh government is drawing up a new law that will ban third-party puppy and kitten sales.

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths has confirmed that legislation is being drafted, which will be entitled the Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

The change would mean that anybody looking to buy a puppy or a kitten in Wales would need to go via the breeder directly or consider adopting from a rescue or rehoming centre. Similar legislation, named 'Lucy's Law' was introduced in England in April.

In a letter to the Welsh Parliament's Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, Ms Griffiths confirmed that she has “given permission for officials to start the process for drafting new legislation for commercial third party sales”.

Claire Lawson, RSPCA Cymru assistant director for external relations, commented: “The Welsh Government’s announcement that it is working up a law to end the third-party sales of puppies and kittens is very good news, on an issue the RSPCA has long campaigned for.

“Unfortunately, early separation from mothers, unfamiliar environments and multiple journeys are a miserable reality for too many pups and kittens. Being traded through vendors can be a hugely stressful ordeal, where profits are put before welfare.

“We now look forward to seeing these new legislative proposals and will work closely with decision-makers to ensure they best protect the welfare of young dogs and cats in Wales.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.