MPs debating tougher regulation of online animal sales
Campaigners want tougher regulation of websites that sell animals after a surge in scams and puppy farming during the pandemic
Last updated 14th Dec 2021
MPs are currently debating a petition that's been backed by over 100,000 people to clamp down on scam pet sellers.
The petition was created by Richard Ackers from Wigan last year after his puppy, Reggie, died just two days after being purchased.
He eventually realised Reggie had most likely been shipped abroad from a puppy farm and kept in torturous conditions.
Richard said: "I cannot disguise that our decision to follow this advice was one of the most difficult and traumatic that we have ever taken and still affects us to this day.
"Reggie died just four days after we bought him, officially due to parvovirus.
"The end of his very short life was painful and horrific."
Richard is now campaigning for better regulation of any websites where animals are sold.
The petition says:
"Given how many animals are sold online, we want Government to introduce regulation of all websites where animals are sold. Websites should be required to verify the identity of all sellers, and for young animals for sale pictures with their parents be posted with all listings."
Opening the debate, Conservative MP for Warrington South, Andy Carter said:
"Can I start by saying how good it is to see Rick sitting at the back, I hope his feet have recovered!
"He has done so much to highlight this cause and I remember back in April joining him on a zoom call late one evening, during lockdown and hearing about the story.
"Seeing some of the pictures of Reggie, any animal lover would not fail to be impacted by the story that Rick has told."
Walking to Downing Street
Richard spent last week walking from his home in Wigan to Downing Street to raise awareness for his campaign.
The Wigan dad set off on his 232 mile trek in order to raise money for animal charities and spread the word about the debate, with all the money raised going to Hope Rescue and Animal Protection Services.
The campaign has received the support of dozens of MPs from across the political spectrum including politicians from Labour, the Conservatives, the SNP, the ALBA Party and the DUP.
Last month committee of MP's agreed to allow MPs to debate the proposals.
Handing the document to Downing Street
Reggie fell ill with diarrhoea just three hours after he was purchased. After recommendation from a vet Reggie was put to sleep.
Campaigners rallying in Trafalgar Square earlier today, including Richard Akers (middle, blue coat)
Campaigners outside the gates of Number 10 after walking from Trafalgar Square
Campaigners outside the doors of Number 10 delivering the petition
READ MORE: UK's leading online marketplaces will share data to crack down on pet fraud
Animal Welfare Alliance
Whilst waiting for the petition to gather its 107,000 signatures, Richard has already made huge changes to the way a number of selling websites work.
Since September, 10 of the UK's leading online marketplaces have introduced new systems to crack down on scam pet sellers.
They now share data on unscrupulous sellers and are able to provide a more detailed account of their activities to Animal Protection Service who can then look to prosecute.