THE END OF PUPPY FARMING
New law bans third-party pet sales to stop callous commercial breeders
THE Mirror was yesterday praised for helping to end puppy farm cruelty.
A new law, named Lucy’s Law after a spaniel found in a horrific state, will ban third parties such as shops and online dealers from selling pets that have been callously bred.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove hailed the move saying: “Congratulations to the Daily Mirror on the campaign.”
LUCY’S Law is the biggest leap for animal welfare in our lifetime, said campaigners last night – as the Government announced a ban on horrific puppy farms.
Pet shops, online dealers and other third-party sellers will no longer be allowed to inflict misery by selling dogs raised in deadly conditions – or dupe people who buy them in good faith.
Announcing the changes at Downing Street, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “We will eliminate puppy farming. We will make sure third-party sales of kittens and puppies ends.”
And he heaped praise on our drive to highlight the cruelty of callous commercial breeders. “Congratulations to the Daily Mirror on the campaign,” he added.
The ban means anyone looking to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten must either deal directly with the breeder, or with an animal rehoming centre.
It comes following the Mirror highlighting how young puppies are put up for sale after being taken from their mothers way too early, then driven huge distances, making them stressed and ill.
And the call for Lucy’s Law came after we told how Cavalier King Charles spaniel Lucy was exploited and kept for breeding in terribly cramped and filthy conditions, hidden from sellers.
The campaign was launched last December by TV vet Marc Abraham from Brighton, who was yesterday joined by celerities at No10 including musician Brian May, TV host Eamonn Holmes, actor Mark Egan, as well as Lucy’s former owner Lisa Garner.
SUPPORT
“I’m delighted Lucy’s Law is finally going to happen,” said Marc. “For years irresponsible breeders in the UK and abroad – puppy farmers – have used third parties to keep themselves well hidden from the buying public.
“By banning third-party sellers, Lucy’s Law will ensure breeders are accountable, making it the first big step in tackling puppy farm cruelty.”
He added: “It’s been phenomenal having the support of Andrew Penman and the Daily Mirror keeping this issue in the news.”
Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine, praised Marc and the 147,187 members of the public who signed the Lucy’s Law petition to spark a Commons debate.
“This is a victory for common sense and democracy – the biggest leap for animal welfare in our lifetime,” she said. “It’s always been illogical that we licensed something so abhorrent.
“Things are at last going to get better for our best friends.”
Linda Goodman of campaign group Care And Respect Includes All Dogs declared: “This is an enormous breakthrough for animal welfare.
“If people are insistent on buying a puppy – despite our rescue centres overflowing with beautiful, healthy, loving dogs they could adopt – then they will now have to physically go directly to a breeder and see what the health and disposition of the mother is like.” Key campaigner for Lucy’s Law, Scottish Nationalist MP Lisa Cameron, said callous sellers often played on buyers’ emotions. “Commercial dealers
facilitate impulse purchases, a common cause of pet abandonment, and rarely offer after-sales advice,” she said in a Parliamentary debate.
“Stressed pups are at an increased risk of deadly diseases when transported legally or illegally.
“In essence, puppies and their mothers are often irreversibly damaged before they reach the seller, whether the seller is licensed or not.”
Mr Gove said that Lucy’s Law could be enacted as soon as Christmas.
As part of its animal welfare reform programme, the Government is also bringing in higher maximum sentences of up to five years for animal abusers, the toughest in Europe.
“A ban on third-party sales will ensure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life,” he said.
“I pay tribute to the Lucy’s Law campaign, spearheaded by PupAid, Care And Respect Includes All Dogs, and Canine Action UK, who have fought tirelessly for this step.
“People who have a complete disregard for pet welfare will no longer be able to profit from this miserable trade.” Actor Peter Egan said: “I’m euphoric, Lucy’s Law is the way to stop this dreadful puppy trade.” Thrilled Eamonn Holmes praised MPs who united behind the campaign, saying: “I’m delighted it’s got cross-party support, this is what politics should be about, fighting for the greater good.” And Brian May said: “This is wonderful, all credit to Michael Gove for listening to the public and to Marc Abraham who has campaigned for this fearlessly.”
The International Fund for Animal Welfare was an early backer of Lucy’s Law. And UK director Philip Mansbridge said: “It’s a fantastic result for thousands and thousands of puppies.
“It’s been such a big problem for such a long time.
“Thank you Daily Mirror for keeping it in the public eye.”