MPs support campaign to tackle puppy farming
Pup Aid founder Marc Abraham handing in the e-petition at No. 10 Downing Street.
Cross-party MPs today paid tribute to TV vet Marc Abraham's tireless work to tackle the issue of puppy and kitten farming. A debate in the House of Commons demonstrated a wealth of Parliamentary support for his campaign.
Last year Pup Aid, founded by Marc, launched a campaign calling for a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens without the mother being present. The "where's mum" campaign rapidly gained support and a government e-petition now has more than 110,000 signatures.
Today, that petition was handed to the Prime Minister and cross-party MPs debated a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops. It is hoped this will be the first step in eradicating the points of sale for irresponsibly bred pets.
Marc and his campaign received wide support from the MPs during the debate. Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park, for example, said the licensing regime "must be flawed" as many licensed breeders are not meeting standards.
Anne McIntosh had concerns about pets being imported from overseas: "I am asking the Minister today to tackle the rogue backstreet breeders and the rogue importers who import animals from puppy farms across the European Union."
Echoing this, Labour MP Robert Flello, who led the debate, said: "I know from my own experience this summer how very easily the pets passport system could be evaded.
"I also know from meeting Eurotunnel and ferry companies that they are concerned about the situation and are unhappy that they are, in effect, policing something they do not have the training for and that this is not properly resourced."
Mr Flello said tackling the supply of pets is difficult, but the demand can be addressed by first banning the sale of puppies of kittens in pet shops and addressing the other two routes - the internet and private dealers - over time.
Interestingly, Mr Flello cited Dogs Trust research that found 95 per cent of owners said they would not buy a pet from a puppy farmer, yet thousands unwittingly do so every year.
Mr Flello also highlighted concerns over the behavioural problems that can be the result of poor early experiences. He cited US research that found puppies bought from pet shops were three times more likely to be aggressive towards their owner and twice as likely to be aggressive towards unknown dogs.
He said banning the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops will remove a method of impulse buying, allowing owners to research ownership and protecting them from buying pets with the health and behavioural problems that go hand in hand with pet shop puppies and kittens.
"We can also take a big step towards curbing irresponsible breeding practices and over-production of puppies and kittens," he added.
Jake Berry, MP for Rossdale and and Darwen said the need to buy from responsible breeders must be publicised alongside tightening government legislation.
Marc commented: "My Pup Aid team and I are extremely thankful to everyone who's supported out campaign, and so proud of what's been achieved so far…
"Puppy farming is a massive problem on so many layers but this first step will hopefully help tackle it strategically, working to starve the supply of dogs by these horrific breeders."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
