UK govt considers ban on sale of puppies in pet shops

The UK government is considering a proposal to ban the sale of puppies at pet shops and other third-party dealers. Under the proposal, people buying or adopting puppies would directly deal with a breeder or a rehousing centre. This comes amid concerns that third-party sales could lead to the creation of an illegal market.

“Licensing and inspection of dog breeders and sellers must also be stronger to ensure that everyone involved in the trade is on the radar of local authorities,” she said. “The government must tackle these loopholes now so we can be confident a ban will be the success we all want to see.”
The RSPCA’s deputy chief executive, Chris Wainwright, said the organisation was delighted that Defra was considering a ban on third-party sales of puppies. “We have always said that an end to third-party sales alone would not be enough to end the puppy trade crisis, and we are pleased that this is being looked at alongside enhanced licensing conditions for breeders which will come into force later this year,” he said.
Gove said the government was cracking down on rogue puppy sellers, including the breeding of dogs with genetic disorders. “We need to do everything we can to make sure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life,” he said. “This is a further step to raise the bar on animal welfare standards. We are also introducing mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses and increasing maximum prison sentences tenfold for animal abusers.”
Under new rules to take effect later this year, breeders and sellers must be licensed and will be banned from selling puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. Puppies will have to be shown alongside their mothers, and sales will have to be completed in person with the new owner present. Dog breeders will only be able to sell puppies they have bred themselves.
Defra’s call for evidence on the ban on third-party sales of puppies closes on 2 May.

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