Petition · Department for Business and Trade
Ban the sale of small animals from pet shops and third-party sellers in the UK
Closed
343 signatures
What the petition asks
Ban the sale of small animals from pet shops and third-party sellers in the UK including hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
After two of our shop bought Guinea Pig's died within a week of each other, an outbreak of Strep across 433 UK stores was publicised.
After two of our shop bought Guinea Pig's died within a week of each other, an outbreak of Strep across 433 UK stores was publicised.
We want the Government to prevent the sale of small animals by anyone other than the original breeder and make it illegal for commercial dealers to sell small animals unless they bred the animals themselves.
We want to encourage people to buy directly from breeders or adopt from rescue centres. We think this could help to improve the welfare of small animals, reduce health problems associated with animals reared in poor conditions and make it harder for unscrupulous dealers who have little regard for animal welfare.
We want to encourage people to buy directly from breeders or adopt from rescue centres. We think this could help to improve the welfare of small animals, reduce health problems associated with animals reared in poor conditions and make it harder for unscrupulous dealers who have little regard for animal welfare.
Timeline
| 28 Apr 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 28 Oct 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
343
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Business and Trade
Opened
28 Apr 2025
Closed
28 Oct 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 5 Aug 2026.