New rules on the sale of kittens and puppies

NEW rules on the sale of kittens and puppies are to come into force from 1 January 2016 in an attempt to cut trafficking and improve animal welfare.

According to Le Figaro the rules will require anyone wanting to sell a kitten or puppy to register at the Chambre d'Agriculture and publish a Siren business number on any adverts.

Around 50,000 sales are expected to come under the new rules, although the rules do not apply to the sale of existing pets or if you want to give away a pet - although the giving away of pets is fraught with the dangers of providing 'prey' to dog baiting rings.

The authorities say that the rules will ensure animals are not being treated badly and producing too many litters, as well as restrict the sale of kittens and puppies brought into France from overseas.