GettyThe government has vowed to ban puppy farming in order to put an end to awful conditions the poor dogs face.
New laws put in place will outlaw third party sales of both puppies and kittens, a move which should put an end to farms run by high-volume breeders who often have little regard for the well-being of animals.
The ban comes after over 95 per cent of a public consultation supported the proposal.
Announcing the new regulation, Theresa May explained she understands the joy of bringing home a new little furry friend, but emphasised pet owners need to know many puppies and kittens don’t have an ethical or healthy start in life.
GettyAccording to the Guardian she said the new regulations would be part of a ‘drive to achieve the highest animal welfare standards in the world’, adding:
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.
In the new year the government plans to crack down on so-called battery dogs who are born in commercial breeding establishments.
In looking into unethical puppy farming campaigners have uncovered locations where mothers are treated horribly as they are given just enough food and water to enable them to breed continuously, while living in filthy conditions with no exercise.
Battersea welcomes the commitment from @DavidRutley today that third party sales of puppies and kittens will be banned. This is an early Christmas present for the thousands of animals suffering at the hands of third party dealers. pic.twitter.com/2Bfx4EEQoA
— Battersea (@Battersea_) December 23, 2018
According to the Sun, Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley said:
The ban is part of our commitment to make sure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life.
The plans will put new rules in place for licensed dog breeders, where potential buyers must be able to see the pups alongside their mother before a sale is made.
Today we’re announcing a ban on third party puppy sales. Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley: “The ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens is part of our commitment to make sure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life.” https://t.co/7UVy5xoNbS #Lucy’sLaw pic.twitter.com/MozHAkdXht
— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) December 23, 2018
Breeders will legally only be allowed to sell puppies they have personally bred, while online sellers will have to publish their licence number, the pet’s country of origin and their country of residence.
Sales will also only be able to take place in the presence of the new owner, meaning a buyer cannot purchase a new four-legged friend without seeing the dog first.
Environment secretary Michael Gove explained how people can often be tempted to buy dogs around Christmastime, but he stressed the importance of knowing where the pups come from.
He said:
At this time of year it is all too easy to be moved by images online or adverts in the local press advertising newborn puppies looking for a home for Christmas.
But what we don’t see is all too often a sad history of mistreatment and malpractice.
Gove explained new puppy farming laws are the latest in the government’s proposals to improve animal welfare standards. In the future moves will be made to ban the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits under eight weeks old, and licensing will be made compulsory for dog breeders.
It’s certainly a great move for all the lovely dogs out there!
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