Kate Parminter has written for Politics Home following her question on puppy farms in the House of Lords the other day.

She asked:

We need new legislation to tackle the appalling conditions that thousands of puppies suffer in the UK when they are bred for sale. Do the Government agree that no puppies should be sold under eight weeks and that all people selling puppies and dogs should have a licence, which will then give local authorities the resources to tackle puppy farming?

The Minister gave a broadly sympathetic but vague response.

Sue Miller followed up Kate’s question with:

My noble friend mentioned the very high volume of trade that takes place over the internet. Do I understand from the Minister that the Government intend to make sure that anyone advertising puppies for sale on the internet will have to have a licence number?

Describing the Minister’s answer as a “glimmer of hope,” Kate outlines in her article the change she wants to see:

I have pushed the Government to change the rules on puppy farms. It is vital that we bring in mandatory licences for dog breeding ensuring that when a breeder is found to be mistreating animals they have their licence removed and face a heavy fine. With mandatory licences, local councils would also receive much needed funds through these finds, money that can help enforce welfare standards and stamp out breeding abuses. Those looking to buy a pet will also be safe in the knowledge that they are buying from breeders that are reaching enforced high standards.

Liberal Democrats have been calling for a change to the law to protect puppies for many years, but this shouldn’t be a party political issue. The issue of puppy farming is surely something that people of conscience across all parties can agree must be tackled.

In response to my question, the Government promised to review the existing legislation with the potential for a public consultation on the matter in the near future. It was a glimmer of hope to all the animals that still suffer today. The movements by the Government suggest the end is in sight but I will implore that anyone who agrees with me, anyone that says puppy farming must be ended, should join my calls for the Government to put an end to this practice. We must not remain silent whilst these dogs are bred in such appalling conditions.

You can read the whole thing here.

I was lucky enough to be born in a place where I and my mother were treated well and I was vet-checked and vaccinated at the breeder’s expense before I went to live my charmed existence at LDV Towers.  A BBC Scotland documentary this year showed that many puppies aren’t so lucky. Puppy farming needs to be tackled both north and south of the border.

* Newshound in training. I'm sweet and full of mischief, just like my stories.