The Kennel Club launches report on dog breeding licensing regulations
It also found that the costs of such licences vary hugely, from £66 for a three-year licence, to over £1,500 for a one-year licence
The Kennel Club is launching a new report in the House of Commons calling for an urgent review of the current dog breeding licensing regulations.
The company claims that current regulations are having a significant impact on both responsible breeders, as well as buyers finding responsibly-bred, healthy puppies.
The report also highlights that many responsible breeders are being discouraged from breeding, following the introduction of The Licensing of Activities Involving Animals Regulations 2018, which has proven to be particularly burdensome for low-volume, high-welfare breeders.
It claims that this deterrent is leaving a void in the market which is being exploited by puppy farmers and rogue sellers, who simply breed for profit without any regard for health or welfare, or the puppy’s future.
The report details a Freedom of Information request project, carried out by The Kennel Club, which found that two-thirds of licences being issued to those low-volume home breeders as opposed to commercial large-scale breeders,.
It also found that the costs of such licences vary hugely, from £66 for a three-year licence, to over £1,500 for a one-year licence.
As a result, Kennel Club is calling for a tiered approach to breeding regulation and the implementation of a mentoring programme between those who have more knowledge of breeding, and those planning their first litter.
It also wants the introduction of mandatory puppy contracts, to help ensure all breeders are adhering to basic health and welfare standards and adoption of a Code of Practice for those looking to purchase a puppy, alongside an educational and behavioural change campaign.
Holly Conway, head of public affairs for The Kennel Club, said: “There are many reasons that responsible breeders choose to breed, including for the love of the breed and dogs overall, to continue a family line, to protect the population of vulnerable breeds, and to provide good quality and healthy examples of a breed. However, we are hearing all too often how these small-scale breeders are unable to continue because of the costs and obstacles involved.
“Therefore, as long as the licensing regime continues to operate as it is, and targets ultra-low volume breeders as opposed to commercial large-scale breeders, there remains a huge market for irresponsible breeders to profit from.”
She added: “It is crucial for the long-term health and welfare of dogs that the high demand for puppies is met by responsible, loving, and high welfare breeders, and we want to explore how these breeders, and others like them, can be encouraged to continue.”
