Mike Hedges AM backs Consultation on banning third party sales of puppies and kittens launched

Mike Hedges AM backs Consultation on banning third party sales of puppies and kittens launched

A local Assembly Member Mike Hedges has today backed a consultation on the banning of third party sales of puppies and kittens.

Currently, puppies or kittens can either be purchased via a third-party seller, directly from a breeder or from a rescue/rehoming centre. Commercial third-party sellers are those who are licensed pet sellers; in Wales they will hold a licence under the Pet Animals Act 1951.

According to estimates, between 40,000 and 80,000 puppies and kittens are sold via third parties in Great Britain each year.

There are concerns commercial third-party sales lead to poorer welfare conditions for the animals, compared to when people buy direct from the breeder.  For example, this might include the introduction to several new and unfamiliar environments and the increased likelihood of multiple journeys the puppies or kittens have to undertake.

The consultation will last for three months and will gather information on the supply chain of puppies and kittens and help identify where Government intervention will have the greatest impact. 

Mike Hedges AM said:

“Ensuring high standards of animal welfare should be a priority for all of us”

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.

I would encourage everybody with an interest in animal welfare to take part in this consultation”

End

You can take part in the consultation here https://beta.gov.wales/third-party-sales-puppies-and-kittens