New legal measures announced to tackle irresponsible puppy breeding

Tougher dog breeding licensing rules have been outlined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Under the new laws, it will become completely illegal to sell puppies younger than eight weeks, while anyone breeding and selling three or more litters of puppies a year will need to apply for a formal licence.

Irresponsible breeders who fail to comply with these rules will face an unlimited fine and/or up to six months in prison, a move that will help to clamp down on backstreet breeders who neglect the health and welfare of the puppies they raise.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has responded positively to the announcement, though it stressed that local authorities must be provided with the necessary resources and support to fully enforce the legislation, supported by local veterinary expertise, in order to ensure the benefits can be fully realised.

Gudrun Ravetz, president of the BVA, said: "This is a significant step in the right direction to improve the welfare of puppies and dogs in the UK, an issue our members are extremely concerned about."

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