Lucy’s Law victory bans puppy farms
Grass roots campaign hails outlawing of this cruel pet trade
IT’S hard to believe that it has really happened.
That was the overwhelming response from emotional campaigners to the incredible news that on Monday the Government put Lucy’s Law before Parliament.
The result is that by next April it will be illegal for anyone to sell puppies and kittens unless they are the breeder.
Cruel so-called puppy farmers will no longer be able to raise animals in dreadful conditions and sell them through pet shops and other traders.
Offenders face having their pet shop licences revoked, an unlimited fine and up to six months’ jail if also found guilty of animal welfare offences.
It is the culmination of a 10-year fight by Brighton vet Marc Abraham and tireless animal campaigners, backed by the Mirror.
Marc began the struggle after seeing puppies coming into his surgery in Brighton suffering from the usually fatal parvovirus, associated with terrible breeding conditions.
It’s a remarkable story of how a small team with no resources or money took on the pet industry, some huge animal welfare organisations that tried to block the ban, and the Government that for years couldn’t see there was even a problem.
Despite numerous setbacks, Marc said: “I was never going to give up. In the end it was a victory for grass roots campaigners and animal welfare.”
The initiative got new momentum after being named after Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued following years of abuse as a breeding dog on a puppy farm and attracted support across society.
“Lucy’s Law was always so inclusive, backed by celebrities to the public to MPs,” Marc said.
“One of the telling points was when you and a Sun reporter were endorsing each other on
Twitter – two competitive tabloids and you were both supporting the common goal of animal welfare.
“You said, ‘I don’t care who prints it, let’s just get it done’. On behalf of all the Lucy’s Law campaigners, thank you.”
One key campaigner is Linda Goodman of Welsh charity Cariad, who tweeted: “I’m still trying to take in the enormity of what we’ve all achieved as a team.”
Beverley Cuddy of Dogs Today magazine said: “Wonderful news. Well done everyone, but especially Marc!”
Canine Action UK described the move as “a pivotal moment for animal welfare because it recognises compassion over commerce.”
Actor Peter Egan said: “I feel honoured to be part of this amazing campaign and applaud the extraordinary commitment from Marc and the wonderful team.”
Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley said the move will mean “puppies and kittens will be raised in a safe environment with their mother and they will be sold from the place they’ve been born and raised in”.
He said he was “extraordinarily grateful” for the work of the campaigners – “not least by you and the Daily Mirror.” But animal welfare is a devolved power and the move will mean Lucy’s Law taking effect in England only.
Mr Rutley said: “The ideal situation would be that we see this come into effect across the UK but obviously it’s over to the devolved administrations.” Wales looks set to follow, with a public consultation ending this week and 20 out of 22 councils backing Lucy’s Law.
Marc is going to Holyrood next month as the fight moves to Scotland.
He said: “If we can convince the Welsh and Scottish Governments to bring in Lucy’s Law for April 6 next year as well, it would be the most incredible announcement that the whole of the mainland has now gone puppy-dealer free.”
‘‘
We now need to see this come into effect right across the UK