I am calling for it to be made mandatory for everyone in the UK who wants to buy, breed or adopt an animal, either domestic or farm, to have an enhanced DRB check carried out on the police national database. I would also like this to apply to the online sales of animals. Research in psychology and criminology shows that many people who abuse animals, later go on to abuse people. This list includes domestic abusers, murderers and serial killers. By running a criminal record background check against prospective owners- individuals, breeders etc, we will be able to see who has a history of violence and have valid grounds to refuse to sell an animal. The checks would only be intended to flag up both 'spent' and 'unspent' convictions on the database. I am not saying that people shouldn't be allowed to have animals for non-violent crimes they have already spent, for example, petty theft. I want this to apply to violence-related crimes such as animal abuse and domestic violence to name but a few.

It won't stop all cases of animal abuse, however, it will save lives, both human and animal. Remember: prevention is better than the cure!

Please note that this petition is for UK citizens only. Please don't sign if you are not a UK citizen, as it won't be valid.

PS, please also feel free to share the link to this petition on your various social media accounts, so that it receives more coverage.

Thank You.