Lucy's Law
Lucy’s Law is a legislation introduced in England on April 6, 2020, aimed at tackling the low-welfare, high-volume supply of puppies and kittens by banning their commercial third-party sale.[1] The law is named after Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was rescued from a puppy farm where she was subjected to terrible conditions.[1]
Under this law, 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[1]. Licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth.[1] If a business sells puppies or kittens without a license, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.[1]
Lucy’s Law effectively removes the third-party dealer chain, making all dog and cat breeders accountable for the first time.[1] The Government has also committed to supporting tougher sentences for animal cruelty, raising maximum prison sentences from six months to five years, and has pledged to bring in new laws on animal sentience and to end excessively long journeys for live animals.[1]
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]
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