Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Whelping and Puppy Farm Reform

Puppy farm reform is essential to end the welfare suffering of breeding dogs and puppies in commercial puppy-producing operations.

Key Facts

Puppy farms keep breeding dogs in poor conditions with high litter turnover and minimal socialization
Lucy's Law banned the sale of puppies and kittens by pet shops and commercial dealers in England
Third-party puppy sales still occur through online platforms and loopholes in current legislation
Unsocialized puppies from farms have higher rates of behavioral problems affecting lifetime welfare
Investigative journalism has been critical in exposing puppy farm conditions to the public

Welfare Considerations

Puppy farm reform is one of the most important animal welfare legislative priorities - the welfare of millions of breeding dogs and the behavioral health of puppies born in inadequate conditions depends on effective enforcement and further reform.

What You Can Do

Never purchase puppies from pet shops, markets, or online without meeting the mother
Support campaigns for stronger puppy farm enforcement and third-party sale restrictions
Report suspected puppy farming to the RSPCA or local authority