Lucy's Law
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Puppy farms are commercial breeding facilities where dogs are bred in cramped and unsanitary conditions, often leading to health and behavioural problems in the puppies. In response to this issue, the UK government passed a law known as "Lucy's Law" in April 2020, which aims to put an end to puppy farming and improve the welfare of dogs.
On the 6th April 2020 the UK government announced new legislation banning the commercial third-party sale of puppies and kittens in England.
‘Lucy’s Law’ means that anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead. Licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth. If a business sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.[1]
Lucy's Law is named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lucy, who was rescued from a puppy farm in Wales in 2013. Lucy had been kept in a small cage for most of her life, and when she was rescued, she had several health problems and had lost most of her teeth. Despite her health issues, Lucy went on to become a champion for animal welfare and inspired the campaign for Lucy's Law.
Under Lucy's Law, it is illegal to sell puppies or kittens under six months old unless the mother is present at the point of sale. This means that anyone buying a puppy or kitten must see it interacting with its mother in the place where it was born and raised, rather than in a pet shop or over the internet. The law also makes it illegal for third-party dealers to sell puppies or kittens, meaning that people must buy directly from the breeder or adopt from a rescue centre.
The law has been welcomed by animal welfare charities and campaigners who have long been calling for stricter regulations on puppy farming. It is hoped that Lucy's Law will put an end to the cruel and inhumane practices of puppy farming, which sees dogs treated as nothing more than breeding machines, and the puppies often suffer from a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, infections, and congenital defects.
Lucy's Law also aims to improve the welfare of dogs in general, by promoting responsible breeding and pet ownership. The law encourages people to adopt from rescue centers rather than buying from breeders, which can help to reduce the demand for puppies from puppy farms. It also encourages breeders to take responsibility for their animals' welfare, by ensuring that they are properly socialized, vaccinated, and treated for any health problems.
See also
External links
- Press release Lucy’s Law: Vets reveal the true cost of puppy and kitten farms UK.GOV
- Lucy's Law Hiro and Wolf