Licence - dog breeding

Description

Under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, as amended by the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, you must have a licence from the local authority to keep a breeding establishment for dogs. Premises must be inspected by a local authority officer and a vet prior to issuing of the licence.

Eligibility

 

No person may keep a breeding establishment without first obtaining a licence from their local Council

 

Procedure

 

Applications for a licence must be made to the council, and a licence may be issued if the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts

a) The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, as amended

b) The Pet Animals Act 1951

c) The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954

d) The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as a dog breeding establishment.

Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Council:

1. That the dogs will at all times be kept in accommodation that is suitable in respect of construction, size of quarters, number of occupants, exercising facilities, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
2. That the dogs will be adequately supplied with suitable food, drink and bedding material, adequately exercised, and (so far as is necessary) visited at suitable intervals
3. That all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent and control the spread amongst the dogs of infectious or contagious diseases, including the provision of isolation facilities
4. That appropriate steps will be taken for the protection of the dogs in case of fire or other emergency, including the provision of suitable and sufficient fire fighting equipment
5. That all appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the dogs will be provided with suitable food, drink and bedding material and adequately exercised when being transported to or from the breeding establishment

A licence may be refused or withheld on other grounds if those grounds are such that conditions are not suitable for the breeding of dogs.

Each licence is subject to standard conditions that are imposed on all dog breeding establishments licensed by the Council.

In addition to the standard conditions a licence may also contain special conditions that are only applicable to your premises.

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.

 

Helplines

 

Regulatory Services, Animal Health: (01226) 773860/ 772532

 

Charges/Fees

 

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made. Currently the fee is £124.00

Offences and Penalties

The following offences apply to the breeding of dogs:

1. Anybody found guilty of keeping a dog breeding establishment without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,500, or 3 months imprisonment
2. Anybody found guilty of failing to comply with the conditions of their licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,500 or 3 months imprisonment
3. 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.

 

Method of Payments Available

 

Cash or cheque

 

Opening Times/Locations

 

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

 

How the customer can help

 

Please complete all relevant sections of the application form clearly, accurately and legibly.

Please return the form in plenty of time for a new licence to be granted or an old licence renewed.

 

Application form references

 

Application for a licence to keep a dog breeding establishment (ref: ps 3144)

 

Leaflets

 

Guidance and model conditions for the licensing of dog breeding establishments

 

Distribution Points

Leaflets and application forms are available from our offices (see Opening Times/Locations)

Legislation

 

• The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, as amended
• The Pet Animals Act 1951
• The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
• The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 

An initial response to enquiries will be provided within 5 working days

 

Owner/Officer Contact Details

 

Animal Health Officer
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

Telephone Number:- 01226 772532/ 773860

 

Last modified on 15/9/2008