"A ban on third party sales will ensure the nation's much-loved pets get the right start in life" Michael Gove, Environment Secretary
Yesterday, Environment Secretary Michael Gove finally announced that the Government will be backing the campaign for Lucy's Law, which seeks to ban the sale of puppies and kittens from pet shops and by third party dealers.
Lucy's Law, named after and spurred by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was totally mistreated within the cruel puppy farm trade, was supported by loads of animal campaign groups including Boycott Dogs4Us which held regular protests outside the Salford store of Dogs4Us on Agecroft Road.
"When we were invited to 10 Downing Street, we were overjoyed to hear DEFRA minister, Michael Gove, announce that the sale of puppies in pet shops and by third party dealers would be banned" says Aran Mathai, chairman and founder of Boycott Dogs4Us "The Government has finally acknowledged that what Dogs4Us, and other pet shops, do should be prohibited by law.
"We are proud to have strongly supported the Lucy's Law campaign, headed up by Pup Aid, CARIAD and Lisa Garner, guardian of Lucy the rescue Cavalier" he adds "Finally, we would particularly like to thank the fearless Salford Star who have consistently covered our campaign, even when the mainstream media cowered under legal threats from Dogs4Us."
Today the diggers were at work demolishing parts of the Dogs4Us store, which is to be converted into a building yard, with Salford City Council stating last year that "Trade has become increasingly difficult. It is believed the store will be forced to close in the near future..."*
The law will not come into effect straight away as there has to be a consultation, which was also announced by the Government yesterday** However, new laws do come into force on 1st October this year banning licensed sellers from dealing in puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks and tightening the compulsory licensing of anyone in the business of breeding and selling dogs. The Government is also bringing in higher maximum sentences of up to five years for animal abusers.
Meanwhile, Michael Gove says: "A ban on third party sales will ensure the nation's much-loved pets get the right start in life. I pay tribute to the Lucy's Law campaign, spearheaded by PupAid, Care And Respect Includes All Dogs (CARIAD), and Canine Action UK, who have fought tirelessly for this step. People who have a complete disregard for pet welfare will no longer be able to profit from this miserable trade."
** The consultation on Lucy's Law is now live and runs until 19th September...
"We want to know what you think about plans to introduce a ban on the commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens in England" states DEFRA "This will prevent pet shops, pet dealers, and other outlets from selling these animals in England unless they themselves have bred them. We expect that this ban will improve welfare conditions for cats and dogs that are under six months old."
To take part in the consultation ? click here
For a full background see previous Salford Star articles...
**Salford Dogs4Us Forced To Close In Near Future ? click here
Salford Dogs4Us Sees Protest For Lucy's Law ? click here
Salford Dogs4Us Store Under Siege as Campaigners Call for Boycott ? click here
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