Ricky Gervais Urges Fans To Sign Petition To Ban Sale Of Puppies In U.K. Pet Shops

Photos from Ricky Gervais’ Facebook 

Becoming as known for his compassion towards animals as for his comedy, Ricky Gervais shared a petition with his legions of fans yesterday urging the U.K. government to ban the sale of puppies at pet shops.

Gervais posted the petition on his Facebook page along with the message “We need 100,000 signatures.”

As per the plea, the U.K. government reportedly responds to all petitions with more than 10,000 signatures. At 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

While animal advocates want the sale of pets such as dogs and cats in retail outlets to be banned completely, which has begun to happen in the United States, this puppy-focused petition is a much-needed first step in the right direction.

“Removing puppies for sale from litter and mum often creates sick, traumatized, dysfunctional dogs,” states the petition that was created by Beverley Cuddy. “Regulating commercial third-party sales is ineffective to prevent harm and a ban is therefore necessary.”

As well as welfare concerns for the puppies, the petition notes that third-party sales also create additional risks for consumers and the public’s health and safety.

Unfortunately, the petition does not discourage people from purchasing a puppy directly from a breeder, but claims “a ban on dealing in puppies for profit can only raise welfare standards and is needed now.”

Don’t breeders profit from selling innocent animals as well?

For now, with the help of Gervais, the current petition is well on its way to reaching its goal of 100,000 signatures.

May this be the first of many steps to “adopting, not shopping” for pets in the U.K.

Please Sign this important petition HERE!