Council To Crack Down On Illegal Animal Sales

Kittens

Harborough Council is to crackdown on illegal animal sales to help combat the illegal trade in puppies and kittens.

From April a change in the law means animals will no longer be able to be sold by a third-party seller, like a commercial breeder or pet shop, unless they have bred the animals themselves.

It will be up to the Council to enforce the so-called ‘Lucy’s Law,’ named after a spaniel called Lucy who was used for breeding on a puppy farm in South Wales before being rescued.

It’s aimed at boosting welfare and reducing the risk of diseases being spread from imported animals.

If it’s found a pet has been imported illegally, the owner may have to pay costly quarantine and veterinary bills.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Cabinet member for regulatory services, said:    This new law is very welcome and will help protect the welfare of young animals and, as a Council, we will be able to play our part in the enforcement of the law.

“It will do much to ensure puppies and kittens arrive in their new homes healthy and micro-chipped, after spending their early weeks in an appropriate environment.

“The welfare of animals is important to us, and the Council will use every legal power, soon to be available to us, to ensure breeders and outlets are correctly licensed or they could face prosecution.”

To find out more information about animal activity licensing and to report an unlicensed activity, visit www.harborough.gov.uk/animal-welfare.

If any breeders or rescue outlets have any queries about licensing their services, email AnimalWelfare@harborough.gov.uk or call 01858 828282