THE public’s views on the sale of puppies and kittens are being sought to improve animal health.

The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation exercise to gather information on how these animals are brought to the market

Lesley Griffiths, minister for environment explained that puppies and kittens can either be purchased directly from a breeder, via a third party seller, or from a rescue or rehoming centre. She said: “There are concerns commercial third party sales may be associated with poorer welfare conditions compared to when people buy directly from the breeder. This might include the introduction of new and unfamiliar environments and the increased likelihood of multiple journeys. These have the potential of an increased risk of disease.

“The vast majority of those buying a new puppy or kitten do so with the best of intentions. However, it is not always immediately apparent to the buyer where their new pet originated, or in what conditions it was raised.

“This consultation is an opportunity to gather as much information as possible to enable us to make lasting improvements to the welfare of puppies and kittens bred in Wales. Banning commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens may only be one aspect of this.”