Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, has spoken in Parliament in support of Lucy’s Law, which will introduce a ban on third party puppy and kitten sales.
Over 144,370 people signed a petition to ban the sale of puppies by pet shops and all commercial third-party dealers, which has been named “Lucy's Law”. 216 people have signed this petition in the Clacton constituency, and campaigners argue that there are no welfare advantages in selling puppies through commercial dealers, which make sure breeding dogs are kept hidden from the public.
Giles backs this campaign, which is also supported by numerous animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA and the Kennel Club, along with national newspapers, celebrities and parliamentarians.
The Government has recognised those concerns, and has consulted on introducing this ban. Ministers are now considering the evidence from that consultation, and have already introduced a raft of measures to crack down on unscrupulous puppy breeders, including:
- Banning licensed sellers from dealing in puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks;
- Ensuring that licensed dog breeders show puppies alongside their mother before a sale is made;
- Tackling the sale of weak underage puppies and the breeding of unhealthy dogs and dogs with severe genetic disorders;
- Introducing compulsory licensing for anyone in the business of breeding and selling dogs;
- Requiring puppy sales to be completed in the presence of the new owner, preventing online sales where prospective buyers have not seen the animal first;
- Insisting licensed dog breeders can only sell puppies they have bred themselves.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday 21st May, Giles supported the introduction of this law, but called for this ban to be introduced without further delay, given the strength of public feeling and the need to ensure animal welfare. He will continue to apply pressure to Ministers, until this necessary change is introduced.
Giles said: “This campaign clearly has so much public support, and I was delighted to attend this debate, on behalf of my constituents who have signed this petition, and speak in favour of this necessary change in the law. The Government’s consultation on this matter has now closed, and they are considering the evidence. I fully support this campaign, and will continue to press for this law to be introduced without delay.
“Purchasers should be sure that they see the mother, and should be sure that both puppy and mother are in good health.”
Read Giles’ speech here.