Puppy Breeding A postcode lottery for welfare.
Earlier this year, I worked behind the scenes supporting FOUR PAWS UK in their efforts to assess the inspection standards of licensed dog breeders and to investigate unlicensed breeding operations.
Drawing on my 28 years of experience in local government, as well as my background as a self-employed trainer for Local Authority officers who inspect dog breeders and other licensed animal activities, I was able to assist in evaluating their report on the current enforcement landscape.
While their report did highlight strong inspection and enforcement practices in some areas, it also revealed unacceptably low levels of oversight in many others.
In these regions, puppies were being bred with little regard for animal welfare where profit was the sole focus. As a result, many puppies are raised in poor conditions, with minimal concern for their wellbeing or that of their mothers.
The report also demonstrate a lack of willingness, and often resources, to fully investigate complaints about unlicensed dog breeders.
This inconsistency between Local Authorities has created a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to the enforcement of dog breeding licences.
The report can be found here
If you are thinking of buying a puppy, do your research and check that the breeder you are buying from is licensed. That will at least ensure reasonable standards of welfare by that breeder.
Lists of licensed breeders can be found on your local council website, usually under animal welfare licences.