Companion Animal Breeding Legislation

Companion Animal Breeding Legislation

Regulations governing the breeding and sale of pets.

Expired Legislation

Previous laws no longer in effect.

Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999

Legislation regulating dog breeding and sales.

Pet Animals Act 1951

Law governing the sale of pet animals.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities) Regulations 2018

Regulations for animal-related business licensing in England.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities) Regulations 2021

Similar regulations for Scotland and Wales.

New Licences

Required for all animal-related business activities.

Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments) Regulations 2013

Regulations specific to dog breeding in Northern Ireland.

Business Test

Criteria to determine if an activity is a business.

Selling Animals as Pets

Selling pets directly to consumers or shops.

Aquacultural Production Exemption

Excludes sales from aquaculture businesses.

Breeding Dogs Definition

Breeding three or more litters annually or advertising sales.

Assistance Dogs Exemption

Breeding assistance dogs is not regulated under this law.

General Conditions Schedule

Conditions that must be met for licensing.

Licence Display Requirement

Licences must be displayed prominently at business premises.

Licence Holder Information

Website must display licence holder's name and number.

Specific Conditions for Selling Pets

Conditions tailored for the sale of pet animals.

Specific Conditions for Boarding

Regulations for providing boarding services for pets.

Specific Conditions for Hiring Horses

Regulations for renting out horses.

Specific Conditions for Training Animals

Rules for keeping or training animals for exhibitions.

Repeals and Amendments Schedule

Lists laws that have been revoked or amended.

Revocations Schedule

Details on laws that have been officially revoked.

Documentary Evidence Requirement

Proof needed to exempt certain breeding activities.

Licence holder

Responsible for maintaining records and animal welfare.

Records

Documents required for inspection by authorities.

Inspection

Review of records by an authorized inspector.

Retention period

Records must be kept for three years.

Licensable activity

Specific activities requiring a license for animals.

Animal types

Only specified animals may be used in activities.

Maximum number of animals

Limit based on facilities and staffing.

Competent staff

Trained individuals ensuring animal welfare standards.

Welfare needs

Basic requirements for animal care and well-being.

Training policy

Written guidelines for staff training and competency.

Suitable environment

Conditions meeting the five needs of animals.

Suitable diet

Food quality, quantity, and hygiene standards.

Monitoring behavior

Observing animals for signs of well-being.

Enrichment provision

Activities enhancing animal mental and physical health.

Animal handling

Safe interaction practices between staff and animals.

Pain protection

Measures to prevent suffering and injury.

Health monitoring

Regular checks for illness or abnormal behavior.

Veterinary procedures

Protocols for animal health and treatment.

Emergency plan

Written procedures for animal emergencies.

Prospective owner

Individual looking to buy an animal as a pet.

Purchaser

Buyer of an animal for personal ownership.

Isolation facilities

Areas for separating sick or injured animals.

Hygienic disposal

Safe methods for waste and soiled bedding.

Register

Document listing all animals on premises.

Supplier's Name

Full name of animal supplier required.

Animal's Sex

Gender of the animal, if known.

Animal's Age

Age of animal, if known, except fish.

Veterinary Treatment

Details of any medical care received.

Date of Birth

Animal's birth date or acquisition date.

Sale Date

Date when animal is sold by holder.

Death Date

Date of death of the animal, if applicable.

Medical Treatment Indicator

Written notice or label for treated animals.

Advertisement Requirements

Conditions for advertising animals for sale.

Licence Number

Unique identifier for the licence holder.

Local Authority

Authority that issued the animal sale licence.

Photograph Requirement

Recognizable image of the animal must be included.

Country of Residence

Location where the animal is currently kept.

Country of Origin

Country where the animal was originally from.

Suitable Equipment

Accessories must be appropriate for the animal.

Care Information

Guidelines for feeding, housing, and handling.

Life Expectancy

Average lifespan of the animal's species.

Reference Materials

Care guides must be displayed for buyers.

Staff Training

Personnel must be trained to advise buyers.

Housing Conditions

Animals must be kept in stress-minimizing environments.

Dangerous Wild Animals

Must be housed securely as per regulations.

Prohibited Sales

Restrictions on selling certain vulnerable animals.

Health Requirement

All animals must be in good health.

Licence Holder

Person or business authorized to sell animals.

Suitable Containers

Containers appropriate for species and journey duration.

DEFRA Guidance Notes

Documents outlining licensing compliance requirements.

Higher Standards

Optional standards for better licensing ratings.

Star Rating System

Rating system for animal-related businesses' compliance.

4 or 5 Star Rating

Requires meeting all required and 50% optional standards.

Initial Application Fee

Fee paid when applying for a licence.

Licence Fee After Grant

Fee due once the licence is approved.

Breeding Dogs Regulations

Specific conditions for breeding dogs under licence.

Advertisement Requirements

Must include licence number and local authority.

Recognizable Photograph

Image of the dog being advertised must be clear.

Age of Dog

Must be displayed in advertisements for sale.

Puppy Sale Restrictions

No puppy under 8 weeks may be sold.

Biological Mother

Puppies must be shown with their mother.

Sleeping Area

Must be free from draughts for each dog.

Exercise Area

Must provide space for dogs to move freely.

Whelping Area

Separate area for breeding bitches to whelp.

Temperature Regulation

Whelping area must be 26-28 degrees Celsius.

Veterinary Record

Must inform purchasers of the dog's health history.

Equipment Suitability

Accessories sold must be appropriate for the dog.

Local Authority

Government body issuing the animal sale licence.

Separation for Health

Puppies may be separated for health reasons.

Exercise Area Outdoors

Part of the exercise area must be outside.

Whelping area

Space for birthing dogs, temperature 26-28°C.

Sleeping area

Constant access for each dog to rest.

Separate bed

Individual bed required for each adult dog.

Puppy transport

Puppies under 8 weeks need mother for transport.

Breeding bitch transport

Transport restricted after 54 days post-mating.

Post-whelping transport

Bitch cannot be moved 48 hours after whelping.

Sleeping area conditions

Must be clean, comfortable, warm, and draught-free.