Closed petition: Legislate against reselling or giving up young puppies/kittens to a third party

Closed on 20 July 2025

We want the government to make it a criminal offence for new owners of puppies or kittens to resell or give them up for adoption to a third party, before they are 6 months old. We think owners should either return the animal to its breeders, or obtain the breeder's consent to give it to new owners.

Reputable private breeders make efforts to ensure their precious puppies and kittens are bought or adopted by responsible owners who will provide safe, suitable and loving homes. However, there is no law to stop their animals' new owners from immediately reselling or giving these vulnerable, undeveloped pets up for adoption to third parties who may not be so suitable.