RSPCA deputy chief executive Chris Wainwright said: “We’re delighted that the UK Government has committed to a programme of reforms to animal welfare law, including this announcement on how to bring in the ban on third-party sales of puppies and kittens in England.
“Our work to tackle the puppy trade means we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact that unscrupulous breeders and third-party dealers can have on dogs and people. It’s disgusting that these sellers can make so much money from the misery of animals and prospective owners.
“We welcome Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s announcement to launch a consultation on how to ban third-party sales with the aim of ensuring buyers buy directly from responsible breeders or rehome from rescue centres. We believe that all puppies and kittens should be born and reared in a suitable environment, with their mother, and should be sold directly from their place of birth.
“We hope this move - along with the new enhanced licensing regime and proper enforcement - will offer better protection to puppies and their parents and reduce the number of families duped by rogue dealers in this illegal multi-million-pound industry.”
We always encourage people to consider rehoming a rescue dog but for those who want to buy a puppy they can download the free Puppy Contract to help ensure they buy a happy and healthy dog.