Dog Breeding Licence
Further information:
The Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare)
Act 1999
Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999
became law on 29 December 1999. The main aim of the new Act
was to improve the welfare of dogs kept and puppies bred in
commercial breeding establishments. It imposed restrictions on
breeding practices to protect the welfare of breeding bitches and
health of the puppies, and introduced an improved system for
licence application.
The key points from the Act are:
A breeding licence will be required for
anyone breeding five or more litters a year for sale. Before a
breeding licence will be granted, the premises must be inspected by
a veterinary surgeon and a local authority officer. Anyone
found breeding more than four litters a year without a licence may
be fined or face a prison sentence of up to three months. It
will be an offence for a bitch to be mated if she is less than one
year old. Breeding will be restricted to a maximum limit of 6
litters per bitch, with at least 12 months between each
litter. Accurate breeding records must be kept and puppies
must wear a visible means of identity. Puppies cannot be sold by a
licensed breeder to their final home until they are at least eight
weeksold. A licensed breeder cannot sell puppies to an
unlicensed dealer or retailer, or sell puppies acquired from an
unlicensed breeder. Not all breeders are affected by this
Act: 'hobby' breeders who produce four or less litters
in one year and who hopefully put welfare before profit are not
affected. Breeders who do not consider the dogs'welfare now must do
so - or cease trading. Vets and Local Government Officers carry out
the inspections and monitor local establishments. Where a breach of
the Act is found, police and local authorities investigate further
and can prosecute if necessary.
What should you do if you suspect a breeding establishment is
not abiding by the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 and
maybe a puppy farm?
If you suspect that there is a puppy farm in
your area, or that your new puppy has come from a puppy farm, you
should contact the Melton Borough Council Animal Licensing Officer/Dog Warden and
Trading
Standards.
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