#LucysLaw

From 6th April 2020 ‘Lucy’s Law’ will come into effect.  This means that dogs and cats may only be purchased directly from a breeder, or more preferably a reputable rescue centre.  This is to help end puppy farming and smuggling and will ban the sale of them through third parties.  Bitches suffer terrible conditions on puppy farms. They are often kept by breeders to produce multiple litters of puppies, which are taken from their mothers at just a few weeks’ old and advertised online or sold in pet shops.

This practice can often cause lifelong socialisation issues for the puppy or kitten, as well as a number of preventable diseases. This new government legislation will ensure that puppies and kittens are born and reared in a safe environment, with their mother, and sold from their place of birth.

The ban will also deter puppy smugglers who abuse the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) by bringing underage puppies into the UK which are then sold on for financial gain.

If you are considering purchasing a puppy then please take a look at The Puppy Contract – this is a free tool kit developed to encourage those buying and breeding puppies to do so responsibly.  This website will guide you through the process of buying a puppy and how to recognise a responsible breeder.

The Puppy Contract Full government legislation