Breeding - do you know the laws surrounding this subject?

When you decide that you want to be a breeder you must be aware of laws and regulations.

Breeding and Sale of Dogs (welfare) Act 1999

According to the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (welfare) Act 1999, you need to obtain a licence from your local government office. An inspection will be carried out at your premises to make sure that they are suitable to breed puppies. However if you are breeding as a hobby you do not need to be licensed. If you are in any doubt whether you need to be licensed then contact your Local Environmental Health Office for further information. The general rule would be if you produce four litters or more a year you will be required to have a license.

When not to breed from your bitch:
• If she is under a year old at the time of conception
• If she is over eight years old
• If she has had over six litters in her breeding history
• If she has had two litters in the past 12 months

It is imperative to check that neither bitch nor dog have any breeding restrictions. Their breeder may have put on the restriction to protect the dog and/or the breed. This restriction can only be lifted by the person who put it on in the first place.

As a breeder you must look after the puppies until they are at least eight weeks old and not sell them until this age. The exception to this rule is that they can be sold to a keeper of a licensed pet shop or Scottish rearing establishment. As a breeder it is your responsibility to keep accurate records for all litters produced including stud dog information and contact details.