New legislation in Scotland which aims to crack down on cruel puppy farming has been welcomed by a Perthshire-based dog rescue charity.
Known as ‘Lucy’s Law’, it will mean that puppies and kittens can no longer be sold in Scotland by a third party seller – such as a pet shop or commercial dealer – unless they have bred the animal themselves.
Instead, from September, anyone looking to buy or adopt a puppy under six months must either deal directly with the breeder or an animal rehoming centre.
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The new regulations outline that Scottish breeders will require a licence if they breed three or more litters a year, which it is hoped will effectively aid the crackdown on poor dog breeding practices.
The new law was also welcomed as ‘long-awaited and crucial’ by The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to the health and welfare of dogs.
Chair of Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society (PADS) Alison Kennedy said: “Any legislation which helps to put an end to the abuse and cruelty of puppy farming is to be welcomed.
“It is really beyond belief that the horrors of the mass breeding of puppies and kittens have been tolerated for so long.
“All of us who care about animals will be happy that this new legislation is on the way in Scotland at last, and we must thank the Kennel Club for their efforts in helping to make it happen.
“However, it is hoped that these new restrictions on the callous exploitation of animals are rigidly enforced.
“Sadly, animal laws can often be ignored.
“As one example, the microchip regulations which were introduced and welcomed five or so years ago remain loosely applied, and we still see many dogs who have not been chipped, dogs whose chips have not been registered and animals whose microchips do not carry the correct details.
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“Laws and regulations are fine only if they are properly enforced.
“However, let us hope that this new ‘Lucy’s Law’ will be applied more effectively to help wipe out the ghastly trade in puppies for profit.
“And hopefully, its introduction may encourage potential dog owners themselves to seek out reputable breeders before they buy their pets.”
