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Wales consults on puppy and kitten welfare
Estimates suggest between 40,000 and 80,000 puppies and kittens are sold each year via third parties.
Possible ban on third party sales under consideration

The Welsh Government has launched a three-month consultation to explore the possibility of banning third party puppy and kitten sales.

Estimates suggest between 40,000 and 80,000 puppies and kittens are sold each year via third parties in Great Britain.

Government officials said there are concerns that commercial third party sales lead to poorer welfare conditions for animals, compared to when people buy from breeders.

The consultation aims to gather information on the supply chain of puppies and kittens, to identify areas where government intervention will be most effective.

Environment minister Lesley Griffiths said: “There is clear evidence that the sale of puppies and kittens via third parties has the potential to contribute to an increased risk of disease and a lack of socialisation and habituation for the puppies and kittens compared to when people buy directly from the breeder.
 
“The vast majority of those buying a new puppy or kitten do so with the best of intentions. However, it is not always immediately apparent to the buyer where their new pet originated, or in what conditions it was raised.

“This consultation is an opportunity to gather as much information as possible to enable us to make lasting improvements to the welfare of puppies and kittens bred in Wales. Banning commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens may only be one aspect of this.”

The minister urged anyone with an interest in animal welfare to share their views. The consultation will run from 19 February until 17 May.

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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...
News Shorts
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.