Licence - Dog Breeding
Establishments used for the breeding of dogs are controlled by The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, The Breeding of Dogs Act 1991, The Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999.
No person may keep a breeding establishment without first obtaining a licence from their Local Authority.
A breeding establishment means any premises where five or more bitches have litters in a twelve-month period. The bitches may be at different premises or kept by different people. For further advice please contact us.
Licensing of Breeding Establishments
Applications for a licence must be made to the Local Authority, 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
There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made.
Council's Duties
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.
Further Information
Copies of The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, The Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 and The Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 can be purchased from The Office of Public Sector Information.
A copy of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 can be viewed at the Council Offices where you may also obtain a copy of the Council's standard licence conditions, an application form and further help and advice by contacting Licensing on 01707 357925 or Licensing@welhat.gov.uk