Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs has issued a written statement on third party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales.  Mr Griffiths confirmed in the written statement that Wales will ban commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens.

He said: “In June, I launched a public consultation on a ban of third-party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales which closed on 17 August 2020.  We sought views and evidence for the proposal to ban of commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales.

“A summary of responses will be published today (5 October) together with the summary from the consultation with children and young people undertaken on our behalf by Children in Wales and with the support of third sector organisations in Wales.

“The ongoing concern is the 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 for such puppies and kittens have the potential to contribute to an increased risk of disease, and lack of socialisation and habituation.

“I can confirm that a ban on commercial third-party sales will be introduced by the end of this Senedd.”