A call for a ban on third-party puppy selling has been backed by Ceredigion County Council.

Cllr Maldwyn Lewis’ notice of motion asking for support for Lucy’s Law was approved by full council.

Some concerns about a lack of information and “tarring people with the same brush” were raised by councillors who had experienced family dog breeding as children.

However, the majority backed the Lucy’s Law campaign launched in Westminster in December 2017, followed by Lucy’s Law for Wales in July this year.

It calls for a ban on selling puppies via third parties and was started by a vet who rescued an abandoned bitch left in a poor condition by breeders.

Cllr Lewis said the legislation would make puppy selling “more transparent and raise standards” and the “cruel act of puppy farming could be consigned to history”.

Lucy’s Law had been supported by the healthier communities overview and scrutiny committee when members received a presentation from campaign group Cariad (Care and respect includes all dogs) at its September meeting.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Paul Hinge, who added: “As a dog owner myself I can understand fully why we need to ensure the welfare of animals is of the highest standards.”

Members were told that the legislation was unlikely to impact on those with two to three breeding dogs, but focused on preventing “dealers” mistreating animals.

The number of licensed dog breeders was increasing in Ceredigion having previously fallen and officers had “worked hard to improve the situation here”.