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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd December 2017
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New plans for crackdown on backstreet breeding
The proposals were welcomed by the RSPCA as the ‘biggest change in pet vending for 66 years’.
Defra proposals to tackle irresponsible breeding and online adverts 

New proposals to crack down on backstreet breeders were outlined by Defra today (22 December).

Plans include ensuring licensed dog breeders can only sell puppies they have bred themselves and that puppies are shown with their mother before a sale is made.

Adverts, including internet adverts, will be regulated so that licensed sellers of all pets, including puppies, must include the seller’s licence number, country of origin and the pet’s country of residence in any advert.

The government is also proposing to tighten regulations, so that puppy sales are completed in the presence of the new owner, preventing online sales where the buyer has not seen the animal first.

Legislation introducing these proposals could be brought forward early in 2018.

Defra is also considering measures to tackle puppy smuggling across borders and the breeding of dogs with harmful genetic disorders.

Commenting on the reforms, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Any unscrupulous mistreatment of animals is disturbing – so in our drive to achieve the highest animal welfare standards in the world, we continually look at what more can be done.

“The arrival of a happy, healthy puppy, as I know myself, is a memorable time for a family – but it’s absolutely right we do everything we can to eradicate animal cruelty from our society. The proposals my government is developing will be an important step forward.”

The proposals were welcomed by the RSPCA as the ‘biggest change in pet vending for 66 years’. The charity received over 4,000 calls relating to the puppy trade in England this year, compared to just under 2,000 calls in 2013.

RSPCA dog welfare expert, Lisa Hens, said: “The RSPCA has long held grave concerns for the many dogs who continue to suffer ill-health and welfare because they have been bred primarily for how they look. ​

“We believe that all those who breed dogs - whether pedigree, purebred or crossbreed - should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring​, and welcome​ proposals to address this.”

 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.