New Rules on Puppy & Kitten Sales

Stricter rules around the sale of puppies and kittens came into force to protect the animals’ welfare.

It is now illegal for commercial sellers to sell animals they have not bred themselves at their own premises and the mother of the puppy or kitten must be present.

Kittens and puppies can now only be purchased from where they are bred or a rescue/rehoming centre.

The additional protection for the animals should help reduce the risk of disease and trauma associated with third party sales.

This can include travelling long distances, changing hands many times or several new environments at a very young age, leading to an increased risk of health problems and stress.

There is potentially more regulations coming for rehoming organisations and sanctuaries, full traceability of all puppies being bred and sold and a strengthening of the pet travel scheme.