Pet fair laws to change

Defra has proposed new measures to ban the commercial sale of animals at pet fairs this week, under the Animal Welfare Bill. The reviewed regulations follow a judicial ruling on pet fairs.

“I believe that the revised measures on pet fairs, together with our proposals to raise the standards of pet vending generally and the introduction of the welfare offence for companion animals, provide the best protection yet for animals at pet fairs,” commented Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Animal Health and Welfare.

Koi carp, racing pigeons and poultry will be exempt from the measures, although these sales will need to be licensed by local authorities. Pet fairs that involve the sale of animals but not in the course of a business retain the right to operate without a license.

The decision was warmly welcomed by animal rights groups. The Animal Protection Agency (APA) announced that it would be holding discussions with its associate organisations to clarify how best to support Defra in carrying out the proposals. Groups including RSPCA, RSPB, IFAW and Animal Aid are among those that have expressed opposition to commercial pet markets in the past.

“The Government’s new and clear intention to prohibit commercial trading of animals at pet fairs is a most welcome advancement for animal welfare that sits comfortably in a Bill designed to bring about real improvements in the way we treat animals,” commented Elaine Toland, Director of APA. “The Animal Welfare Bill, with this latest commitment, ensures genuine protection for countless thousands of pet and wild animals.”

“Defra’s revised position to ban commercial selling of animals at pet fairs is arguably the most important and positive move on this subject for a long time,” added Clifford Warwick, Consultant Biologist and Medical Scientist.

Defra’s proposals will be issued for full consultation before they go before Parliament.