VIEWS are being sought on crackdown on puppy or kitten farms in Wales.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation into plans to ban the third-party sales of puppies and kittens.

Between 40,000 and 80,000 young animals are sold via third parties rather than directly from breeders or rescue centres in the UK every year.

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But concerns have been raised that the welfare of these animals is not always held to the highest standard.

Announcing the launch of the consultation, environment, energy and rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Ensuring high standards of animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government.

“There is clear evidence that the sale of puppies and kittens via third parties has the potential to contribute to an increased risk of disease and a lack of socialisation and habituation for the puppies and kittens compared to when people buy directly from the breeder.

“The vast majority of those buying a new puppy or kitten do so with the best of intentions.

"However, it is not always immediately apparent to the buyer where their new pet originated, or in what conditions it was raised. This consultation is an opportunity to gather as much information as possible to enable us to make lasting improvements to the welfare of puppies and kittens bred in Wales. Banning commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens may only be one aspect of this.

“I urge anyone with an interest in animal welfare to get involved and share their views with us on how we can improve the conditions of sale and ensure good welfare practices.”

The consultation will run until Friday, May 17. Take part at https://beta.gov.wales/third-party-sales-puppies-and-kittens