Advice for local authorities
The sale of sick puppies and concerns about conditions at commercial breeding establishments are issues commonly reported to the RSPCA.
In addition, the number of calls received by Consumer Direct relating to animals and pet purchases - many relating to the purchase of puppies - has almost doubled in the last two years. In 2008 alone, Consumer Direct received 4,627 calls.
Preventing problems
The purpose of licences for breeding establishments and pet shops was established to ensure good animal welfare, but over the years best practice appears to have become lost.
Legislation governing and model licence conditions for pet shops and breeding establishments already exist, and is further reinforced by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Anyone responsible for a pet, be it a pet owner or a dog breeder, is required by law to meet their animal's welfare needs.
Ways to improve the welfare of puppies
We believe that the following could vastly improve the welfare of puppies involved in the puppy trade when licences are issued or renewed.
1. The requirements of the following Acts should be taken into consideration:
- Animal Welfare Act
- Breeding and Sale of Dogs Act
- Pet Animals Act.
2. Improvement notices should be served where appropriate.
In addition, minor changes to well-enforced licence conditions issued for breeding establishments and pet traders could help to considerably reduce complaints about welfare problems and the sale of puppies with deteriorating health problems.
Find out more in our puppy trade guidance booklet:
Model licence conditions
Read our suggested licence conditions for:
- Suggested licence conditions - pet traders (Word 21KB).
- Suggested licence conditions - breeding establishments (Word 21.5KB).
- Suggested licence conditions - breeding establishments (not wholesale) (Word 47.5KB).
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