Tackling illegal breeders and sellers: greater controls on selling animals

Illegal puppy farmers and dealers exploit platforms like online marketplaces, presenting themselves as caring hobby breeders. Puppies, kittens, and other pets are sold for hundreds of pounds in car parks, laybys, or even out of car boots, often with no regard for their health or welfare.

At the USPCA Animal Hospital in Newry, we’ve seen heartbreaking cases of sick or genetically compromised pets bought from these unscrupulous sellers. Many families face distress as their new pets suffer from incurable illnesses or costly medical conditions, all preventable if stricter controls were in place.
 

The risks of buying from illegal sellers

  • Unregulated breeding: Puppies are often bred in inhumane conditions with no consideration for their health or welfare.
  • No vaccination or care history: Pets sold without proper vaccinations or medical records can fall severely ill, leading to costly vet bills.
  • Misleading sellers: Illegal breeders often pose as legitimate hobby breeders, making it difficult for buyers to know the truth.

What needs to change?

To tackle this cruel trade and protect both animals and buyers, the USPCA calls for stricter controls:
 

Compulsory Registration of Sellers: 

  • Every person who sells or supplies pets should register with their local council.
  • A valid registration number must be displayed on all online and offline advertisements.
  • This ensures full traceability and holds rogue sellers accountable.
     

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Hefty penalties should be introduced for anyone failing to comply with registration or advertising requirements.
     

Regulating Online Sales Platforms:

  • Online sales must be monitored and regulated to prevent illegal breeders from using these platforms to deceive the public.
     

Learning from the Republic of Ireland:

  • The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019, introduced in Ireland in 2020, serves as a strong example of how to regulate online pet sales effectively.
     

Why This Matters

Stricter controls on selling pets would disrupt the illegal puppy farming industry, ensure higher welfare standards for animals, and protect families from the heartbreak of unknowingly buying sick pets.

Take action today

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on proposed new rules for selling and supplying puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. Respond and have your say before 25th August 2025.