Investigating puppy farms
Illegal puppy farms produce puppies at scale to make money. Dogs and their puppies suffer poor welfare and bad conditions, causing suffering and stress. On this page, learn what puppy farming is, how we investigate this wide-spread criminal practice and how to report puppy farming.
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Suspect someone is taking part in puppy farming?
Call us in confidence on 0300 123 8960 or report it to the police.
What is puppy farming?
Illegal puppy farms breed many dogs in poor conditions to make as much money as possible.
Dogs and puppies are often kept in cramped and dirty cages with little or no socialisation or exercise. Mother dogs are bred repeatedly, which takes a huge toll on their health. And their puppies are often deprived of vaccinations, vital health checks and the socialisation they need to help them grow up happy and healthy.
A new law in 2020, known as Lucy’s Law, banned third-party sales of puppies and kittens under six months old in England. This means all dogs must be bought from the breeder, or adopted from a reputable rescue organisation.
A stronger law was brought in for Wales in 2021, which meant that sellers need to show puppies interacting with their mother. New legislation in 2025 further cracked down on unscrupulous puppy breeding, banning the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, as well as pregnant dogs. This will be brought in during 2026.
These laws have been a huge step forward for dog welfare, but sadly we still see irresponsible breeders. Animal lovers can do their bit to improve dogs' lives by choosing a responsible breeder or, even better, adopting a rescue pet.
Rescue a pet
Could you give a rescued pet a loving home?
Many of the animals in our care have suffered trauma and neglect – we work to give them the best chance for a happy future. Could it be with you?
How we investigate puppy farming
Recent legislation has helped tackle puppy farms, but we still receive reports about this cruel trade. When our Special Operations Unit (SOU) receives a report, it can take many months to gather strong enough evidence to take a case to court.
How does the RSPCA stop puppy farms?
Our inspectors don't have any special powers to investigate. We can't enter private property unless invited, and we’re unable to seize animals without the owner's consent. If we suspect animal cruelty offences, we often work with police to get a warrant and accompany them to the premises. If a vet deems an animal has suffered, police can seize the animal and pass it into our care.
Anyone breeding three or more litters a year, or selling dogs as a business, must have a licence from their local authority. Local authorities have statutory powers to enter premises to ensure that licences are being enforced. We often work in partnership with them to investigate suspected puppy farming.
Dogs and puppies are often kept in unhygienic conditions, miss out on important socialisation and care, or even vital vaccinations. We help rebuild their health and confidence before finding loving homes.
How you can help us tackle puppy farming
We always urge people to consider rescuing a pet, and to make sure that you’re ready to give them the life they need. But if you do decide to buy a puppy, there are things you should do to help the RSPCA stop puppy farms.
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Find a breeder
Use The Puppy Contract to help you find a breeder, ask the right questions, and find a happy and healthy dog.
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Visit the puppy
Always visit the puppy at home and see them with their mum. Visit more than once and ask lots of questions.
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Be responsible
Never take the puppy away from its mum before at least eight weeks old.
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Check their license
Check the seller is licensed and ask for health checks and veterinary paperwork.
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Never pay cash
Never pay cash, don’t be pressured into buying quickly and never arrange to meet a seller anywhere except where they bred the puppy.
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Raise concerns
If anything seems suspicious, walk away and contact the relevant authorities.
If you suspect someone is operating a puppy farm or are concerned about irresponsible breeders and puppy welfare, contact the police or call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8960.
