Dogs

legislation

Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 and 1991

Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015

what laws govern the breeding and sale of dogs?

Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 and 1991

Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999

what do the laws that govern breeding and sale of dogs state?

covers living conditions and care, and breeding and sale

an establishment must obtain a license from the local authority in order to breed or sell dogs. It can be inspected at any time. A warrant can be obtained to gain entry to premises where an offence is suspected

Legislation also applies to people breeding dogs in their own homes if more than 5 litters are born and sold in a 12-month period

requirements:

suitable accommodation: must have appropriate food, drink, bedding, exercise and regular visits

disease control in place, e.g. hygiene and vaccinations

provision for protecting the dogs in case of fire/emergency

bitches under 1 year old must not breed

a bitch must not have more than 6 litters in her lifetime

puppies must not be sold under 8 weeks of age (unless to a licensed pet shop)

dogs can only be sold at a licensed breeding establishment or licensed pet shop

penalties to not complying with legislation relevant to breeding and sale of dogs

for no license or contravening the conditions of license: a fine and/or imprisonment

for obstructing or delaying an inspector: a fine

a breeder can lose their license and be banned from keeping a dog breeding establishment for a specified time

ethical considerations:

should dogs be allowed to breed when there are so many dogs in rescue centres?

should anyone be allowed to buy a dog? (breeders do not usually ‘vet’ new owners, unlike rescue centres)

how is inbreeding prevented in breeding?

the UK’s Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme promotes good practices to prevent ill health caused by inbreeding

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

bans owning, breeding, or selling of dogs bred for fighting, e.g. pit bull terriers and Japanese Tosas

It is an offence for a dog to be seriously out of control

Penalties: fines and prison sentences from 6 months to 14 years (depending on whether dog causes injury or death)

the court may order a dog to be muzzled, neutered or destroyed

The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015

all dog owners must microchip puppies by 8 weeks old

benefits of microchipping dogs

reuniting lost dogs with their owners

preventing theft

tracing dangerous dogs