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Wales drafting new law to ban third-party sales
The change would mean anyone looking to buy a puppy or a kitten would need to go via the breeder directly or consider going to a rehoming centre.

Officials drafting new legislation to end third-party puppy and kitten sales

The Welsh government is drawing up a new law that will ban third-party puppy and kitten sales.

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths has confirmed that legislation is being drafted, which will be entitled the Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

The change would mean that anybody looking to buy a puppy or a kitten in Wales would need to go via the breeder directly or consider adopting from a rescue or rehoming centre. Similar legislation, named 'Lucy's Law' was introduced in England in April.

In a letter to the Welsh Parliament's Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, Ms Griffiths confirmed that she has “given permission for officials to start the process for drafting new legislation for commercial third party sales”.

Claire Lawson, RSPCA Cymru assistant director for external relations, commented: “The Welsh Government’s announcement that it is working up a law to end the third-party sales of puppies and kittens is very good news, on an issue the RSPCA has long campaigned for.

“Unfortunately, early separation from mothers, unfamiliar environments and multiple journeys are a miserable reality for too many pups and kittens. Being traded through vendors can be a hugely stressful ordeal, where profits are put before welfare.

“We now look forward to seeing these new legislative proposals and will work closely with decision-makers to ensure they best protect the welfare of young dogs and cats in Wales.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.