On cloud canine over dog victory

Congratulations to The Mirror and everyone involved in helping to bring about Lucy’s Law (Mirror, August 22). This cruel trade in defenceless animals must be stopped and the despicable people who run it should be punished.

But if those who purchased these poor puppies online or from a car boot on the motorway stopped buying them, there would be no trade in them. As a result, there would be fewer dogs in rescue centres.

I also think dog breeding should be licensed, regulated and carried out by proper breeders only, while cross-breeding of expensive mongrels should be regulated.

Margaret Harrison, Widnes, Cheshire

Banning the sale of puppies and kittens at pet shops is a welcome move because restrictions on heartless breeders are urgently needed. While this new legislation may combat some of the worst forms of abuse on puppy factory farms, it’s worth remembering that it’s irresponsible and cruel for any breeder to continue churning out more puppies or kittens for profit while thousands of highly adoptable dogs and cats are put to death in the UK every year for lack of good homes. People who are willing to commit to taking care of an animal properly should shun breeders altogether and save a life by adopting from their local animal shelter.

Jennifer White, PETA UK

Thank you for your help in bringing about Lucy’s Law,

which will help protect defenceless dogs against unscrupulous breeders who are only interested in profit and couldn’t care less about the welfare of the animals.

Now that this issue is in the public eye, I do hope more people will consider giving a home to animals who have been mistreated.

We have a rescue dog – she is the most loving creature and has been a great addition to our family.

Claire Sharpe, Bristol

I am so pleased your campaign for Lucy’s Law has been a success. It’s not before time. How anyone could subject a defenceless animal to the cruelty found in these puppy farms

is beyond comprehension, so it is fantastic to know that Lucy’s suffering has not been in vain.

Well done to vet Marc Abrahams and to The Daily Mirror for your fantastic campaign – and to the Government for listening.

S Gillan, Manchester

It is fantastic news about Lucy’s Law, but let’s go one step further and impose a stiff prison sentence on anyone breaking it, and take away any assets they have accumulated through this vile trade.

Well done to the Government for passing this legislation – at least they have got something right.

Ann Owen, Newton, Powys

Well done to The Mirror, Marc Abrahams and all concerned for helping to get Lucy’s Law passed. This is great news for dogs and dog lovers.

Dave Osborne and Prince the dog Enfield, Gtr London

Great news that the cruel trade in puppy farming has finally been banned. Now let’s see that the new law is properly enforced and policed.

P Miles, via email