RSPCA backs puppy sale crackdown

AN animal welfare charity has revealed it received 119 calls from Cheshire residents complaints about the puppy trade in 2017 as it welcomed news of a potential ban on pet shops selling young dogs.

The RSPCA said it has long been calling for better legal protections for canines.

Now the Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking evidence from the RSPCA and other organisations before carrying out a review and deciding whether to implement a ban, due to take place later in the year.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the announcement was the latest in ‘a string of positive moves’ by the Government to bring in tougher animal welfare legislation.

Chris Wainwright, RSPCA deputy chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Defra is considering a ban on third party sales of puppies.

“We believe that cracking down on unscrupulous traders, who put profit ahead of animal welfare, will provide much-needed protection for prospective pet owners and puppies.

“We have always said that an end to third party sales alone would not be enough to end the puppy trade crisis so we are pleased that this is being looked at alongside enhanced licensing conditions for breeders which will come into force later this year. Together, we hope these moves will offer better protection to puppies and their parents and also reduce the number of families duped by rogue traders in this illegal multimillion-pound trade.”