I have received a number of e-mail regarding dog breeding.
The Government recognises the need to toughen regulation and licensing of smaller puppy breeding establishments and align them with those of larger-scale breeders.
Smaller breeders – known as ‘backstreet breeders’ – supply thousands of dogs to UK owners each year but currently are not subject to the same regulations which ensure the welfare and health of puppies that they raise. The Government is looking to reform the licensing regime to ensure all dog breeders have the same responsibilities to protect the welfare of the puppies that they breed.
The Government opened the Review of Establishment Licensing consultation on 20 December 2015 until 12 March 2016. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) received over 1,000 responses and is currently reviewing all the responses. I look forward to learning the result of the consultation and will continue to take an interest in the matter.
October 2016