Oscar’s win is paw-some for Lucy’s Law campaign
Wonderful news from Australia where cruel puppy farms will hopefully be put out of business because pet shops can no longer sell their animals.
A new law has just come into effect in the state of Victoria which means that the only dogs that pet shops can sell must have come from rescue centres.
It marks an astonishing victory for the campaign Oscar’s Law – named after a stud dog who was rescued after spending five years in a puppy farm. It’s a fight which mirrors our very own battle in Britain for Lucy’s Law.
“It’s been an incredibly long and difficult battle but it’s so satisfying that we achieved what we set out to do,” said the leading campaigner Debra Tranter.
“The industry fought us every step of the way but they didn’t count on the strength of the public who were relentless and unwavering in demanding this change and who made the politicians sit up and listen.
“The ban on the sale of animals in pet shops ensures that puppy factories no longer have retail outlets to hide behind.
“Pet shops will now work with rescue groups to hold adoption days and showcase how awesome rescue pets are.”
She said that it was now hoped that the law will be followed by other states in Australia and by other countries too.
“I’m confident that Lucy’s Law will be passed in the UK,” she said.
“When laws are no longer meeting community standards and expectations, then it’s time for those laws to be changed.”
Public consultation on Lucy’s Law closed on May 2 and the Government is expected to respond at some point in the summer.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove told ITV News last week that he hopes to be able to change the law.