Council to crack down on illegal puppy farms due to new Lucy’s Law

Horsham District Council as a licensing authority will be responsible for enforcing a new law which has been introduced to protect the welfare of puppies and kittens under six months old.

Lucy’s Law is a new law which requires animals to be born and reared in a safe environment, with their mother, and be sold from their place of birth. The new rules are scheduled to come into force on 6 April 2020.

Going forward puppies will only be available for sale from rescue centres or ethical breeders.

Commenting on the new law, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan said:

It is excellent news that this law has finally been introduced and I am pleased that as a council we will be able to play our part in the enforcement of the law.

“It will do much to protect puppies and kittens and ensure their welfare, so that they arrive in their new homes healthy and micro-chipped, after spending their early weeks in an appropriate environment.

“The welfare of animals is a key priority for us as a council and rest assured, our Environmental Health team, who have a successful track record in licensing enforcement, will use every legal power they now have to ensure breeders and outlets are correctly licensed or they could face prosecution.”

Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan

Horsham District Council’s Environmental Health team licence dog breeders and pet shops under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Until now, third party sales of puppies and kittens under six months have been allowed via pet shops. As of April 2020, this will no longer be allowed, so people will have to go directly to a breeder or rehoming centre to buy a puppy or kitten.

If any breeders or rescue outlets have any queries about licensing their services, please contact fiona.hiron@horsham.gov.uk or call 01402 215427.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk.