MPs likely to consult on third party puppy sales
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said that a ban would be easier to enforce than the current licensing system.
The government has said that it is ‘likely to introduce a consultation’ on whether to ban the sale of puppies by pet shops and third-party dealers.
More than 144,000 people signed the ‘Lucy’s Law’ petition triggering a debate in parliament. Launched by Dogs Today editor Beverley Cuddy, the petition says that when puppies are removed from their litter, they often grow into ‘sick, traumatised, dysfunctional dogs.’
SNP Martyn Day opened the debate highlighting the ‘staggering’ media and celebrity support surrounding the campaign. Celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Brian May and Sue Perkins have backed the petition, as have the majority of animal welfare organisations.
He added that an estimated 80,000 puppies may be sold by licensed third-party sellers every year.
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said that a ban would make good sense for animal protection and that it would be easier to enforce than the current licensing system.
Lucy’s Law is named after a King Charles spaniel who was rescued from a Welsh puppy farm in 2013. She was suffering from a curved spine due to being kept in a small cage, as well as a number of other health problems.
The government recently held a call for evidence into whether to ban third-party puppy sales. Defra Minister George Eustice said they had received around 350 responses which it is was currently analysing.
“Members will be pleased to know that we anticipate being likely to introduce a consultation based on the early feedback from the call for evidence,” he said. “They will, however, have to wait a little longer to see further details.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
