How much is that doggie in the window? In the UK, he’s no longer for sale.
After overwhelming public support, Britain has confirmed that it will move forward with a law banning pet shops from selling puppies and kittens.
The legislation is intended to put a stop to high-volume, for-profit breeders, who often ignore welfare standards and rely on third parties to sell their animals.
Known as “Lucy’s Law,” the campaign is named for a severely malnourished King Charles Spaniel who was rescued after being irresponsibly bred and prematurely separated from her puppies.
“This ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens is part of our commitment to make sure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life,” said Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley.
Under the new law, prospective pet parents will be required to buy puppies and kittens directly from the breeder or adopt from a rescue.
“This ban makes breeders properly accountable for the puppies they produce and will now give future owners the reassurance that they can adopt their new dog or cat from a safe and trusted source, and ideally from a rescue center,” said Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, a London shelter.
In most of the United States, it remains legal to purchase puppies and kittens in pet shops, despite concerns about the practices of high-volume breeders.
In November, the ASPCA rescued nearly 170 puppies and adult dogs from a licensed commercial breeding facility in Iowa. The dogs were found to be living in filthy, crowded conditions with little protection from the elements and freezing temperatures.
If you plan to purchase a puppy, it’s important to carefully choose a reputable, responsible breeder. One popular starting place is the American Kennel Club, which evaluates each breeder included in their Puppy Finder. For those interested in adopting, the club also maintains a comprehensive list of breed rescues across the United States.