A CALL for ban on third party puppy selling has been backed by Ceredigion County Council.

Cllr Maldwyn Lewis’ notice of motion asking for support for ‘Lucy’s Law’ was approved by full council on Thursday (October 25).

Some concerns about a lack of information and “tarring people with the same brush” were raised by councillors who had experienced family dog breeding as children.

However, the majority backed the ‘Lucy’s Law’ campaign launched in Westminster in December 2017, followed by ‘Lucy’s Law for Wales’ in July this year.

It calls for a ban on selling puppies via third parties and was started by a vet who rescued an abandoned bitch left in a poor condition by breeders.

“The aim is to make puppies available only from rescue centres or reputable breeders where the puppies are always seen with their real mothers,” said Cllr Lewis, from Rhydlewis.

He said the legislation would make puppy selling “more transparent and raise standards” and the “cruel act of puppy farming could be consigned to history.”

‘Lucy’s Law’ had been supported by the healthier communities overview and scrutiny committee when members received a presentation from campaign group Cariad (Care and respect includes all dogs) at its September meeting.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Paul Hinge, who added: “As a dog owner myself I can understand fully why we need to ensure the welfare of animals is of the highest standards.”

Cabinet member Gareth Lloyd said he supported the campaign but added that “knock on effects” would need to be considered as part of a government consultation likely to take place if any legislation changes were approved.

Members were told that the legislation was unlikely to impact those with two to three breeding dogs but focused on preventing “dealers” mistreating animals.

The number of licensed dog breeders was increasing in Ceredigion having previously fallen and officers had “worked hard to improve the situation here.”