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.