By NDWA Reporter

Councillors from Swindon Borough Council’s Licensing Committee voted unanimously to put an end to the practice of dogs being sold from pet shops within the SBC area.  The ban will also extend to those who deal in dogs as they require a Pet Shop Licence.

Within the Pet Animals Act there are provisions for Local Authorities to set conditions for “securing all or any of the objects specified” said Alison Waine, Environmental Protection Officer – Animals.

Ali and her team explained that there is evidence showing a strong proven link between puppy farms and pet shops meaning. It is likely therefore they could be sold underage, with medical problems, travel great distances and have inaccurate paperwork. The environment of the pet shop is also likely to expose the young pups to disease including such things as parvo virus as they would not have completed a vaccination course.

“This would then be in conflict of the conditions: ‘that animals, being mammals, will not be sold at too early an age” and second “that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread among animals of infectious diseases. I talked to other LAs, to rescue centres (both large and small), a very helpful reporter from the recent documentary shown on S4C, campaigners and a lovely woman who was able to give her very personal story about her experience” said Ali who is the newly appointed RSPCA Liaison Officer for the National Dog Warden Association.

The Committee agreed however that a person could make an appeal and give an individual case as to why they should be allowed to sell dogs on a pet shop licence but this decision had been expected.

The Committee also agreed they would accept guidelines from Ali as to good and bad practices to look for when considering a case. Ali is currently working hard writing the guidelines that will include amongst other requirements the following:

• Dogs must be bought direct from a breeder; they cannot come via another dealer.

• They must be sourced locally so as to have not travelled any great distance and that the breeder is easily reachable for the new owners to talk to.

• The breeder’s information must be freely available at the time of purchase. Proof of appropriate (for the breed) tests for inherited diseases (for the parents and/or the pups) must be provided.

• The parents of the pups must be DNA profiled so that the new owners can prove if they wish that the puppy is indeed from those parents.

Ali would not like to see anyone without the proper care packages and animal welfare knowledge selling dogs. In theory for someone to be granted a licence she will have to ensure that the conditions are related to the reasons why Swindon Borough Council do not allow dogs to be sold in pet shops – i.e. the high chance they have been sourced from a puppy farm.

The Committee and members of NDWA congratulate Ali and Swindon Borough Council on their stand against puppy farming and sincerely wish that other local authorities will follow the example of Swindon Borough Council

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