In addition to changes to livestock regulations, approval regulations for boarding kennels, home boarding houses and day annuities have also been revised. The same star rating system is also implemented for these companies. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you will need a breeding licence if you run a business that breeds or promotes dogs for sale, or if you breed three or more litters in a year and sell one of the puppies. In Scotland, there are five or more litters. Licensees shall test all breeding animals for hereditary diseases using recognised and scientifically validated health studies in relation to their breed or type. You should carefully evaluate all test results and follow all reproduction recommendations given as part of each system before reproduction. If an animal is considered unsuitable for breeding and the owner of the animal is unwilling or unable to keep it as a pet, it should be placed in an appropriate environment. Conversely, “breeders who raise a small number of puppies (i.e. less than three litters per year) and sell them without making a profit” are considered to be outside the scope of the authorisation.
It is important to note that since 1999, a similar “commercial test” has applied to those that breed below the previous threshold of five litters. When the regulation was passed in 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) told the Kennel Club that, as with the existing commercial test, it is not intended to catch amateur growers. This law establishes a regulation for the approval and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities. A breeding license is required for anyone who breeds three or more litters over a 12-month period and/or for anyone who breeds dogs and promotes a business selling dogs. In 2019, the Welsh Government published a report on the revision of the Animal Welfare (Dog Farming) (Wales) Order 2014, which contained a number of recommendations to address the long-standing issues associated with these regulations. This happened when the Welsh Government considered introducing the long-awaited ban on the sale of puppies and kittens by third parties. (1) No person shall operate a dog breeding establishment solely under the supervision of a licence issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act. In Northern Ireland, a breeder must apply for a licence if he has three or more farms in the breeding establishment and meets at least one of the following criteria: the licence must clearly indicate the total number of dogs held in the premises held for licensed breeding. This Act does not apply to the breeding of dogs for use in scientific practices governed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 when they are reared in breeding establishments designated as such under section 7 of that Act: see The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Section 27(3).6.9 The licensee shall record the following for each breeding dog: If companies keep more dogs for licensed breeding than the total number indicated on the licence, they violate the licence, especially if they have not increased the number of employees who can care for the dogs. If you meet the eligibility criteria (see Question 2), you will need a breeding permit. An advertisement for the sale of a dog must include your permit number, the issuing municipal authority, a recognizable photo of the advertised dog and the age of the dog. Puppies cannot be sold before the age of at least 8 weeks.
Another type of license is required for those who sell puppies that they did not raise themselves.10. Do I need a license number to promote my puppies and do I need to provide a photo? If you are concerned that you may have encountered a breeding establishment or an unlicensed breeder, please contact your local council`s dog guard team to report it. Anyone who raises three or more litters over a period of 12 months and sells one or more of the puppies must be licensed by the local council in England. No license is required for so-called “amateur breeders”. Licensed breeders must meet a number of minimum standards of protection. Costs incurred by the breeding (figures are indicative/tend to the bottom of the scale): it is treated as if it were operating a business with breeding dogs for sale on the premises throughout the period if a total of four or more other litters falling under paragraph (4) of this section were born during the period. DEFRAhat provided guidance on how to apply HMRC commercial badges to these breeding dogs. The following factors have been identified as indicators that a breeder can operate a business: (4) When deciding whether or not to issue a licence for the keeping of a dog breeding facility by a person on a holding, a local authority must in particular (without prejudice to its discretion to refuse a licence for other reasons) take into account the need for safeguarding. The new Animal Welfare (LAIA) Regulations 2021 (Wales) were adopted unanimously. Adopted by the Commission on 23 March. Significant assurances are now needed regarding guidelines for local authorities and how the new regulations are implemented. For more information on dog breeding legislation in Wales, check out this briefing.
Local authorities have the power to introduce these orders under a number of different laws and may impose fines or fixed fines on those who do not comply. In order to demonstrate breeding, the licensee`s involvement in the entire reproductive pathway, from conception and pregnancy to birth, must be obvious. The inspector must see the details of the pairings and the two parents, even if this may have taken place in other premises. The breeder would have exceeded the Hmrc commercial income threshold of £1,000, so he would have to inform HMRC. However, since they made a loss, there should be no tax to pay. Moreover, although it exceeds the £1,000 threshold, it is clear that it is not a commercial operation, so no breeding licence would be required.4. How do I get a dog breeding permit? Licensees should be aware of any health risks that may be specific to that species or breed. Where appropriate, veterinary advice on the suitability of an animal for reproduction shall be requested. The DEFRA guidelines advise producers on the steps they must take to obtain a five-star rating and obtain a three-year licence.
A lower star count means breeders are inspected more frequently and pay higher licensing fees. Breeders who are members of a UKAS accredited system, such as: Kennel Club insured breeders, who have been accredited under the program for three consecutive years or more, should be classified as “low risk” breeders and granted a license term of three years.8. Do I need a breeding license to sell my puppies? You must renew your licence before it expires to continue breeding dogs. To obtain a dog breeding license, you must contact your local authority. Most have online application forms available and a fee will be charged. Fees vary depending on the municipal authority and the breeder`s star count (see questions 6 and 7). Upon receipt of an application, the local authority appoints an inspector and a veterinarian to look after your premises to ensure that you meet the licensing requirements.5. What are the licensing requirements? 2.6 Each puppy area shall be maintained at an appropriate temperature (between 26°C and 28°C inclusive) and shall contain an area that allows the farm to move away from hot spots. If you are considering buying or adopting a dog, there are a few laws you need to know. These include: temperament can be a hereditary trait and should be taken into account when selecting breeding animals. Licensees are not allowed to breed from stocks that show fear or aggressiveness. This publication is www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities/dog-breeding-licensing-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities As an insured breeder who raises three or more litters in a 12-month period and sells at least one dog, you must provide a copy of your license at the time of your exam visit.
If no license is available at the time of your visit, your report will be evaluated accordingly and the license can then be provided by email as part of the improvement process. This frequently asked questions document only applies to those who breed in England. RSPCA Cymru welcomed the introduction of new laws regulating dog farming – the Animal Welfare (Dog Farming) (Wales) Order 2014, which came into force on 30 April 2015. To meet the higher standards, breeding dogs must achieve the following goals: So, if your dog or someone else in your household accidentally gets pregnant twice a year and you have sold the puppies, it is best to have them neutered or get a breeding license, as another litter in a year could get you into trouble.
