Kennel Club praises ‘crack down’ on Scottish puppy farms

The Kennel Club has come out in support of ‘Lucy’s Law’, the Scottish government’s new legislation which is “cracking down” on Scottish puppy farms.

Under ‘Lucy’s Law’, puppies and kittens will no longer be allowed to be sold in the country by a third party seller, such as pet shops and commercial sellers, unless they are bred by the sellers themselves.

From September, anyone looking to buy a puppy under six months old must deal directly with the breeder or animal rehoming centre.

Dr. Ed Hayes, head of Public Affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “We are delighted that these new animal breeding and sale regulations, which include Lucy’s Law, have been made into law in Scotland – it’s a long-awaited and crucial step.

“Sadly, too often irresponsible breeders in the UK and abroad have depended on commercial third party sellers, like ‘dealers’ or pet shops, to disguise the horrific conditions puppies are bred and brought up in to the public, readily making a huge profit while causing untold suffering.”

He added: “We hope Lucy’s Law will help bring an end to this and alongside improving welfare conditions for puppies, it will also encourage anyone thinking of getting a puppy to really do their research and find a responsible breeder.

“This couldn’t be more important right now, as we continue to see the demand for puppies rise during the pandemic.”