Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Require background checks before customers can purchase an animal

Open for signatures 176 signatures

What the petition asks

Before anyone buys a pet from a pet shop or breeder, they should be checked if they have all necessities beforehand and have the correct funds + household to look after the pet. They should also make sure that the person doesn’t live with any abusive people so the animal isn’t at risk.
People are buying pets without having the necessities and it leaves the animal in a depressed situation e.g. buying a pet bird but keeping it in a tiny small cage, buying a hamster and keeping it in a tiny small cage, buying a dog without having a field nearby or open garden space, buying any animal and not being able to afford emergency vet bills. These are all basic needs for an animal and you should be examined on what you can afford and making sure you provide a pet with a good environment.

Timeline

26 Mar 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 176
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 26 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.