Our Canadian government should draw inspiration from the UK government's leadership in establishing more rigorous standards and regulations to halt puppy mills and safeguard Canadian consumers buying animals. Therefore, I am asking our federal government to take immediate actions to improve the welfare of animals in Canada, while also making a positive impact on both the economy and the mental health of Canadian consumers. 

Created in 2001, the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) addresses mounting concerns surrounding the irresponsible advertising of pets for sale, rehoming, and exchange. A set of minimum standards were developed by PAAG which several of the UK’s largest classified websites have agreed to meet.

In 2020, the UK Government introduced legislation to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens, by banning the sales of puppies and kittens (under six months in both cases) by third party sellers/anyone other than the breeder.

Also in 2020, the UK Government launched the ‘Petfished’ campaign to highlight puppy mills conditions and the deceptive practices employed by pet sellers to deceive buyers into thinking they are responsible breeders selling healthy animals. The campaign educates the public on how to source dogs and cats responsibly, advising them to watch for warning signs of potential illegal third-party dealers, such as litters without a mother present or sellers pressuring buyers into rushed transactions.

In 2021, the UK Government published its Action Plan for Animal Welfare - an ambitious plan setting out current and future animal welfare work. 

It's crucial for the Canadian government to take similar actions. I eagerly anticipate the response from our federal government regarding the email I sent. In the upcoming updates, I'll provide further insight into the reasoning behind this request.

B. 

Photo: 23red.com