Dog Breeding
What is a Dog Breeding Establishment?
Establishments used for the breeding of dogs are controlled by
the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973. No person may keep a breeding
establishment without first obtaining a licence from their Local
Authority. A breeding establishment means if more than two bitches
are kept for the purposes of breeding which give birth to five or
more litters during any 12 month period and offer at least one
puppy for sale will require an animal breeding licence.
Where do I Apply?
Applications for a licence must be made to Wyre Forest
District Council, and a licence may be issued if the applicant is
not disqualified under any of the following Acts.
- The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.
- The Pet Animals Act 1951
- The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954.
- The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act
1934.
Fees
How long does a Licence last?
Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent
licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which the
licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the
premises are to continue as a dog breeding establishment.
What are the Council's duties?
Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to
demonstrate to the Council's Licensing Inspector:
- that the dogs will at all times be kept in accommodation that
is suitable in respect of construction, size of quarters, number of
occupants, exercising facilities, temperature, lighting,
ventilation and cleanliness.
- that the dogs will be adequately supplied with suitable food,
drink and bedding material, adequately exercised, and (so far as is
necessary) visited at suitable intervals.
- that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent and
control the spread amongst the dogs of infectious or contagious
diseases, including the provision of isolation facilities.
- that appropriate steps will be taken for the protection of the
dogs in case of fire or other emergency, including the provision of
suitable and sufficient fire fighting equipment.
- that all appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the
dogs will be provided with suitable food drink and bedding material
and adequately exercised when being transported to or from the
breeding establishment.
A licence may be refused or withheld on other grounds if those
grounds are such that conditions are not suitable for the breeding
of dogs. Each licence is subject to standard conditions that are
imposed on all dog breeding establishments licensed by the
Council.
In addition to the standard conditions a licence may also contain
special conditions that are only applicable to your premises.
Your Right of Appeal
Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or
by any condition to which a licence is subject may appeal to the
Magistrates Court and the Courts may give such directions regarding
the licence or its conditions as it thinks proper.
Offences and Penalties
The following offences apply to the breeding of
dogs:
- anybody found guilty of keeping a dog breeding establishment
without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding
£2,500.
- anybody found guilty of failing to comply with the conditions
of their licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding
£2,500.
- anybody found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector or
authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner in the
exercising of their powers may be fined up to a maximum of
£1,000.
If found guilty under this Act, the defendant’s licence may be
cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping a dog breeding
establishment for such length of time as the Court thinks
fit.
