AN AM has given her full backing to the Welsh Government's intention to ban third party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales (Lucy’s Law) following a public consultation.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs, said: "I launched a public consultation on third party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales.

There are concerns commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens may be associated with poorer welfare conditions for the animals compared with direct purchase from the breeder. For example, the introduction to several new and unfamiliar environments, and the increased likelihood of multiple journeys the puppies or kittens have to undertake have the potential to contribute to an increased risk of disease and a lack of socialisation and habituation for the puppies or kittens.

A summary of the consultation, which closed on 17 May, said that 458 responses were received.

The minister said: "This demonstrates the strong public feeling on this matter. The vast majority of respondents would like to see an end to the third party selling of puppies and kittens in Wales. In addition, a call for more to be done to improve the welfare of cats and dogs at all breeding premises in Wales was a reoccurring theme.

"Having considered the consultation responses and the demand for improvement to the current system, I propose to introduce a ban on the third party sales of puppies and kittens."

Eluned Morgan AM said: “I am so pleased that the Welsh Government has taken the positive step of introducing Lucy’s Law in Wales.

"Last summer, we brought the issue of puppy farming and third party puppy sales to the National Assembly.

"Bringing together campaigners and volunteers engaged in rescuing breeding dogs and their pups, it was a tremendously important event that shone a light on the issue in Wales and looked at the opportunity of improving our legislation.

“In parts of Mid and West Wales, we have heard some terrible stories of puppy farming, with dogs being kept in poor, isolating conditions and intensive breeding leading to ill-health and the abandonment of ex-breeding dogs.

"I am heartened that Lesley Griffiths has pledged to go even further in her statement today, stating her intention to look again at breeding regulations to improve welfare conditions and to consider how to help the public make more informed choices when buying a pet.

“I want to thank all of the campaigners in particular Marc the Vet, Eileen and Linda who have played such an important and influential role in the campaign, by keeping “Lucy’s Law” high profile but also in rescuing and looking after dogs that have been abused and abandoned once they can no longer make their owners money.”

The Welsh Government statement can be found here: https://gov.wales/written-statement-third-party-sales-puppies-and-kittens

Pictured: Eluned Morgan with Lucy’s Law campaigners at the National Assembly for Wales