The third party sales of puppies and kittens could be banned after a consultation which started today (Tuesday, February 19).

The consultation was launched by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths.

Puppies or kittens can currently either be purchased via a third-party seller, directly from a breeder or from a rescue/rehoming centre.

Even though commercial third-party sellers are licensed pet sellers, there are concerns that such sellers lead to poorer welfare conditions for animals compared to when people buy directly from the breeder.

It is estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 puppies and kittens are sold via third parties in the UK every year.

The baby animals may be introduced to several new and unfamiliar environments and there’s an increased chance that an individual puppy or kitten will have to take multiple journeys.

The consultation, which is looking to gather information and views about third-party pet sales, will last for three months until Friday, May 17.

A Welsh Government spokesman said it is to gather information on the supply chain of puppies and kittens to help identify where Government intervention will have the greatest impact.

AM Lesley Griffiths said: “Ensuring high standards of animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government.

“There is clear evidence that the sale of puppies and kittens via third parties has the potential to contribute to an increased risk of disease and a lack of socialisation and habituation for the puppies and kittens compared to when people buy directly from the breeder.

“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.

“I urge anyone with an interest in animal welfare to get involved and share their views with us on how we can improve the conditions of sale and ensure good welfare practices.”

To take part in the consultation on the banning of puppies and kittens online, visit the Welsh Government website.