Dog Breeding Establishments
The Legislation: The
Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 and the
Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999
Anyone who is in the business of breeding and selling dogs will
require a licence from us under the 1973 Act as amended by the 1999
Act. We have discretion whether to grant a licence and must ensure
that the animals will be suitably accommodated, fed, exercised and
protected from disease and fire. It is for us, who have extensive
powers to check on the standards of health, welfare and
accommodation of the animals, to enforce the requirements of the
Act.
The 1999 Act provides that bitches are not mated until they are
at least one year old and that they give birth to no more than six
litters in a lifetime and no more than one litter per year.
Accurate breeding records must be maintained by the establishment
for tighter controls on the sale of dogs by dealers and pet shop;
for identification for traded dogs; and stiffer penalties,
including imprisonment.
In addition, the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 extended our powers
to obtain a warrant to enter any premises, excluding a private
dwelling house, in which it is believed that a dog breeding
business is being carried out. All outbuildings, garages and sheds
are open to inspection. Previously we could enter and inspect
only premises which were already licensed.
Other Laws Relating to Companion or Domestic Animals
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, powers exist for secondary
legislation and codes of practice to be made to promote the welfare
of animals. The government is currently looking at a number of
specific issues with a view to updating or bringing in new
regulations or codes. Until such new provisions are made, existing
laws will continue to apply.
What We Check For
The aim of the licensing requirements is to protect the welfare
of the dogs and puppies. This is achieved by applying certain
breeding standards and through management of the accommodation to
ensure precautions against disease and fire. This is done by
attaching relevant conditions of licence to ensure that the dogs
and puppies are kept in suitable accommodation.
Before the licence is issued, the Council must be satisfied that
the premises are adequate in terms of:
- construction, size, number of occupants, exercise facilities,
temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
- that dogs and puppies will be adequately supplied with food and
drink, bedding material, adequately exercised and visited at
suitable intervals
- that adequate precautions are in place in case of infectious
disease
- that adequate fire and emergency precautions are in place
- that a suitable breeding records are maintained
Running a Dog Breeding Establishment
If you are thinking of running a dog breeding establishment or
want to know the standards that are required please view the
following webpages:
Licensed Dog Breeding Establishments in Ashford
A list of licensed Dog Breeding Establishments is available on
our Online Public Register of Licences and Registrations. View the
licences issued by Ashford Borough Council.
Buying a Puppy
Before buying a puppy it is vitally important to check out who
you are dealing with. There are unfortunately unscrupulous people
who will pretend to have bred a puppy when really it came from a
‘puppy farm’. Sadly many such puppies are often ill and may even
die not long after you have got them home. You can take some easy
steps to help stamp out this trade and protect the welfare of the
puppies.
See detailed guidance on our Buying a Puppy webpage.
Useful Contacts
Further Information
For further information contact:
Environmental Health Service, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane,
Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330204
Email the Environmental Health
Team
Fax: 01233 330469
This webpage was updated on 7/3/2008