Third party sales of puppies and kittens set to be banned in Wales

Third party sales of puppies and kittens are set to be banned in Wales after a consultation showed overwhelming public support.

Currently, puppies and kittens can either be purchased directly from a breeder – licensed or unlicensed depending on the number of breeding bitches at the premises – via a third-party seller, or from a rescue/rehoming centre.

There are no national records of the number of puppies and kittens sold via third-parties.

Commercial third-party sellers are those who are licensed pet sellers; in Wales they will hold a license under the Pet Animals Act 1951.

There are concerns commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens may be associated with poorer welfare conditions for the animals compared with direct purchase from the breeder.

In a written statement, Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs, confirmed that – following a supportive consultation – she proposes “to introduce a ban on the third party sales of puppies and kittens”.

Nearly 500 people responded to a public consultation held in February this year, it sought views on wider issues associated with breeding dogs and cats.

The vast majority of people said they would like to see a ban and called for more to be done to improve the welfare of cats and dogs at all breeding premises in Wales.

Many also raised concerns about online sales, impulse purchasing, breeder accountability and illegal importation of puppies.

The Welsh Government hopes the ban will improve animal welfare conditions and help the public to make more informed choices when buying a pet.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has announced she also plans to revisit the current breeding regulations to improve welfare conditions at breeding establishments.

She said: “We are committed to improving animal welfare conditions and ensuring they are protected from harm during the breeding process.

“Puppies and kitten sold by third parties are at greater risk of disease, a lack of socialisation and habituation, and the distress of being introduced to new and unfamiliar environments during multiple journeys.

That’s why we are bringing forward this ban and we’re pleased to see the public agree with it. We have listened to what people have said and will be banning third party sales of puppies and kittens.

We hope a ban will ensure people make an informed choice before purchasing a pet and ensure breeders take responsibility for the animals they are selling.”

The announcement has been welcomed by the RSPCA Cymru, which says the move would mean anyone looking to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten must either deal directly with the breeder or with a rehoming centre.

Claire Lawson, RSPCA Cymru’s assistant director for external relations, said: “RSPCA Cymru is delighted that the Welsh Government has committed to banning the third party sale of puppies and kittens in Wales.

“Sadly, early separation from mothers, unfamiliar environments and multiple journeys are a miserable reality for too many pups and kittens sold in these settings. We hope this ban will help bring to an end the hugely inappropriate conditions many of these young animals face, where profit is too readily put before their welfare.

“It is also great to see the Welsh Government suggest the importance of a holistic approach. We’re eager to see action that will improve welfare in the breeding, trade and traceability of pets of all ages; and our work around the role a dog licence could play in achieving this continues.

“We also hope this announcement will place fresh emphasis on important discussions about where people source their pets.”