DEFRA
Dog Breeding

Commercial dog breeders are subject to a specific licensing regime with strict licensing conditions to protect the health and welfare of these animals. However, there remain persistent problems with the breeding and sourcing of low welfare puppies. This is challenging to address because so many breeders currently fall outside the existing regime. There are also growing concerns about dogs bred for fashionable aesthetic qualities, which allow known health and welfare issues to persist. The growth of new establishments focused on dog breeding practices, such as canine fertility clinics, and the irresponsible use of stud dogs, raise further welfare concerns.

