PUPPY FARMING

Early day motion 95, tabled 25 May 2016 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes the report Sold a pup?, published in 2016 by the RSPCA, on exposing the dog breeding trade in the UK; recognises that English law on dog breeding has not been updated since the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, and that consolidation of existing legislation is needed; agrees with the Government proposal to require all breeders that sell three or more litters a year to obtain a license from their local authority; further notes that the lack of regulation of dog breeding gives free reign to criminals seeking to exploit puppies for financial gain with no concern for the animals' welfare; notes that dogs are often imported illegally and transported long distances, which can be severely damaging to their welfare; further recognises that there is a lack of protection and recourse for consumers; and calls on the Government to implement mandatory licensing, including financial penalties for those found in breach of the rules, legal identification requirements for all online sales and a ban on the sale of puppies under eight weeks of age.

Signatures by party: Labour 9, DUP 4, Scottish National Party 3, Conservative 2, Liberal Democrat 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Green 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.