Written Statement: Third Party Sales of Puppies and Kittens

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. 

226 responses were received to the full consultation and 98% of respondents would like to see the end of third party sales for puppies and kittens in Wales. 

I would also like to thank Children in Wales who hosted our Children and Young People consultation which received 59 responses from children all across Wales.  96% of the respondents agreed with a ban on commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales. 

I would encourage you to read the views of the children and young people who took the time, during this unprecedented period, to respond to this animal welfare issue.  I am immensely proud future animal owners in Wales have such awareness and sense of responsibility.  Animal welfare was a consistent theme throughout the responses recorded, with a strong view that the welfare of puppies and kittens should be protected.

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