Most of us have a soft spot for our four legged, furry friends, and The Welsh Government want to know how you feel about banning commercial third party selling of puppies and kittens up to six months old.

Children in Wales, on behalf of the Welsh Government have created a survey asking your opinion about this and a few details about you. Your voice is important, and they want to know how you feel about this issue. Here at theSprout we’re also loving the chance to look through loads of cute photos of puppies and kittens to find images for this piece. Today’s a good day! ☺️

What does commercial third party mean?

Commercial means a business that makes or intends to make a profit. Third party, in this case, means pet shops or traders who do not own the mother, have not raised the animal from birth, and have a special licence to sell the pets. Breeders raise the puppies or kittens and pass them on to the trader to sell.

Why is this a problem?

There’s some evidence that these pets aren’t always looked after well by commercial third party sellers. If pets are moved about to different places it could make them sick, they don’t get used to human contact and so may struggle settling into a new home. People could also be buying pets on a whim and don’t think everything through properly beforehand.

A consultation asking if the Welsh Government should get involved in this was held last year. Most of those that answered welcomed a ban on commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens.

What will a ban achieve?

• Ensures that those buying a new puppy or kitten see them with their mother
• People will make right choices based on research and seeing the animal with its mother.
• Dog breeders will be held responsible for their actions and will have to make welfare improvements; this will reduce the sale of puppies and kittens not bred to welfare standards.
• Because people will see the animals at the breeders property or a rehoming centre, it will make it easier to spot any welfare issues and means the puppies and kittens don’t have to be moved around as much.
• It will help puppies become good pets, as they will get used to people and other animals from an early age.

Why do they need to know what you think?

Your opinion is important, including any experience and examples that you may have. It will help them spot any gaps in the law to be able to shape the next steps.

The survey is open until 17 August 2020. Click here to answer.