The end of puppy smuggling has come one step closer as Lucy's Law comes into force.
The new law aims to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens by banning third-party sales in England.
Anyone wishing to buy a puppy or kitten must now buy directly from the breeder, and licensed breeders must show the puppies and kittens interacting with their mothers in their place of birth.
The news has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson who has consistently campaigned for an end to the cruel practice of puppy farming, working alongside Pup Aid ambassador Rachel Riley and TV vet Marc Abrahams.
Puppy farms are located across the UK with most depending on third-party sellers or ‘dealers’ to distribute often sick, traumatised, unsocialised puppies which have been taken away from their mother at just a few weeks old.
This often involves long-distance transportation, with the puppy or kitten suffering life-threatening medical, surgical, or behavioural problems which are passed on to unsuspecting new owners. Lucy’s Law effectively removes the third-party dealer chain, resulting in all dog and cat breeders becoming accountable for the first time.
In 2014, Justin helped lead a cross-party debate on the issue of puppy & kitten smuggling - the first major debate on the issue in the House of Commons ever. The campaign was backed by more than 140,000 people across the country (including thousands from Swindon) who signed a Parliamentary petition set up by Marc Abrahams and the Pup Aid campaign. https://www.justintomlinson.com/news/article/justin-leads-call-to-end-puppy-farming
Since that debate, Justin has continued to push for changes to law, meeting with experts from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the Kennel Club, and Pup Aid, as well as repeatedly raising the issue with Ministers. https://www.justintomlinson.com/news/article/justin-calls-for-total-ban-on-third-party-sales-of-dogs-to-end-puppy-farming; https://www.justintomlinson.com/news/article/local-mp-backs-campaign-to-end-puppy-smuggling
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I am delighted that, having campaigned on this matter for years, Lucy’s Law has now come into force. Puppy farming is an appalling practice, which causes huge trauma and suffering, and I am very hopeful that this new law will help see an end to it."
