AN animal rights group has claimed a victory for companion animals by changing the policy positions of five major supermarkets regarding the advertising of pets for sale on in-store notice boards. Sainsbury, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and the Co-op have all committed to a ban on this type of advert, according to Animal Aid.

Animal Aid believes that advertising animals for sale in such locations exacerbates the problems of over-breeding and also encourages inappropriate impulse buys.

Casual breeders with young animals for sale regularly use notice boards such as those found in supermarkets.

Andrew Tyler, Director, Animal Aid, said; ‘Animal Aid is extremely pleased that these high profile supermarkets have taken such an important decision. We only hope that others, such as ASDA and Somerfield will follow their lead in helping to reduce the suffering inflicted upon thousands of companion animals each year. We will continue to press them to adopt a humane and rational policy on this issue.’