My New Year wish: ban the puppy farms
I WAS delighted to read about Lucy’s Law (Mail), the campaign to ban puppy farms, named after a rescued spaniel. The unscrupulous selling of puppies and kittens has gone on unchecked for far too long. Puppies should never be sold without their mother present. I have five rescue dogs, one a former back-street breeding bitch, so I know the injuries that are inflicted, mentally and physically, upon such unfortunate animals. There are so many reputable breeders who are more than able to supply the genuine need for people who wish to buy a pet. What about the thousands of adult dogs languishing in rescue centres — and those who don’t even make it that far, having been euthanised at the shelter or pound? Informing the public of the atrocities that take place in hell-hole puppy farms is one part of the solution, but unfortunately, many people don’t really care. They merely want to satisfy a whim — a designer pet for the children, especially at this time of year.
HILARY GRAHAM, Stratford-upon-Avon, W. Mids. DESPITE being a nation of animal lovers, why has the cruel practice of puppy farms been going on for decades? Local authorities, the Government and the Kennel Club have all been repeatedly informed of the horrendous conditions in puppy farms, but still it continues on a massive scale. The RSPCA informed me their hands have been tied as they need the help of the licensing council and police. There is sound scientific evidence pointing to the high incidents of health and emotional problems in these puppies. Thank goodness for Lucy’s Law. Hopefully 2018 will make a huge difference to the dogs that have led such pitiful lives. JEAN STEEL, Exeter.