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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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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.