Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has welcomed the "long overdue" Government crackdown on backstreet puppy breeders.

Government proposals were published on February 2 to ban the sale of puppies under eight weeks old.

The proposals aim to crack down on so-called backstreet breeders and puppy farms, with anyone breeding and selling three or more litters of puppies a year being obliged to apply for a formal licence.

Puppy farms are like factories in which puppies are bred for profit, often in unfit and squalid conditions.

Battersea’s chief executive Claire Horton addressed the brutality the Home sees on a daily basis with regard to this issue.

She said: "We take in the battered, exhausted breeding bitches cast out onto the street once they’re past their sell-by date.

"We care for the under-socialised, sick or dying puppies, sold to unsuspecting owners who, faced with mounting vet bills or behaviour issues, often give them up."

The Home launched their End Backstreet Breeding campaign two years ago and is "pleased" about the proposals.

Ms Horton added: "It’s high time we put a stop to the many undercover backstreet breeders and large-scale puppy farmers that profit from their cruel treatment of these animals."

Both smaller and commercial breeders will have to meet strict welfare criteria, according to environment secretary Andrea Leadsom.

Ms Leadsom said: "Everyone who owns a pet or is looking to introduce one into their life will want to know that the animal has had the very best start to life.

"Yet for thousands of puppies born each year to irresponsible breeders, from smaller operations to larger puppy farms, their first weeks are spent in cramped and squalid conditions without the care and attention they need.

"That is why we are cracking down on the worst offenders by strengthening the dog breeding licence and giving councils the power they need to take action."