New analysis by the animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, has revealed that the majority of dogs and puppies in the UK are still coming from unknown sources, including unlicensed and illegal breeders, as well as puppy smuggling. The charity is calling for stricter oversight of the puppy trade and urgent action from regulators.
Freedom of information requests were submitted by Naturewatch Foundation to 391 councils across the UK and Ireland at the end of last year, in order to update their Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland – a unique tool that helps potential puppy buyers learn about dog breeding in their area.
The findings show that there are currently 2,897 licensed breeders across the UK and Ireland, who collectively keep around 26,000 female adult dogs for breeding purposes. Of these, just over 23,000 are located in the UK. With approximately one million dogs and puppies joining UK households every year, Naturewatch Foundation estimates that only 15-20%* of these animals come from licensed breeders. A further 6%** are imported commercially, leaving the rest coming from unknown, unlicensed, or potentially illegal sources.
Natalie Harney, representative of Naturewatch Foundation, stated, “It is shocking to discover that the majority of dogs and puppies in the UK are still coming from unknown sources. Despite efforts to reform dog breeding regulations over the past decade, loopholes and inadequate enforcement continue to be major issues. Additionally, with varying rules and regulations across different nations, it can be challenging for the public to determine when a breeder should be licensed. These issues require immediate attention from regulators.”
Harney continued, “We strongly encourage anyone considering getting a dog or puppy to adopt from a reputable rescue organization, where many wonderful animals are waiting for their second chance. However, if adoption is not an option, it is crucial to thoroughly research and know the breeder. Ask questions such as: Are they licensed? How many dogs are they permitted to keep? Are they open to visits, allowing you to meet their dogs and see their premises? These are essential inquiries that any potential puppy buyer should make. Be sure to consult the Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland during your research.”
The investigation also found that only 34% of local councils were able to confirm the number of dogs permitted to be kept by licensed breeders in their area. Many councils were unable to disclose crucial details, such as the number of male dogs, litters of puppies, or “other” dogs (such as retired dogs and pet dogs) allowed in their jurisdiction.
While the majority of licensed breeders are registered to keep 10 or fewer breeding adult dogs, there are some who are permitted to operate on a large scale. In Ireland, for example, four licenses allow for over 200 adult breeding dogs. Of these, three are licensed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, with one single premise being permitted to keep an astonishing 250 female dogs and 100 male dogs for breeding purposes.
Naturewatch Foundation is advocating for improvements to dog breeding regulations across the UK and Ireland, greater transparency, and improved enforcement measures to better protect dogs used for breeding, their puppies, and the public.
Individuals who are concerned about illegal dog breeding in their area are encouraged to report their concerns to their local council. Reports can also be submitted to Naturewatch Foundation’s Hotline4Pets.
ENDS
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.