hunting dog in a cage
Torridge District Council is warning any unlicensed dog breeder that it can issue Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone operating without a license.
The Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022 allows local authorities to issue fines of up to £5,000 for animal welfare offences, including failure to be licensed under the animal licensing regulations. Fixed penalty notices can also be used to tackle poor welfare standards and unlicensed activities in home boarding establishments, kennels, riding establishments, catteries and pet shops. However serious animal welfare offences will more likely be prosecuted.
Dog breeders require a licence if they have three or more litters in a 12-month period OR sell £1000 worth of puppies in that period. The Animal Licensing Regulations 2018, which fall under The Animal Welfare Act 2006 are set to ensure that anyone carrying out an activity requiring a licence meets stringent welfare standards.
The Licensing Team works with all businesses and individuals to ensure they are correctly licensed Businesses refusing to engage and apply for a license will be investigated and could face a significant fine and/or prosecution. In 2024, Torridge District Council successfully prosecuted two breeders, resulting in significant fines and costs of £16,000 and £18,000.
Torridge District Council is advising anyone looking to employ the services of a home boarder, dog daycare, or wanting to buy a puppy or kitten, to check that the business is licenced. Unfortunately, our officers have witnessed poor welfare practices at unlicenced home boarding and breeding businesses. Businesses that are licenced can be found on our public register: https://torridge.gov.uk/article/19968/Public-registers Pet sitters do not require a licence as they tend to animals in your own home.
Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said: “We hope that by raising awareness of the Fixed Penalty Notices we can encourage un-licensed breeders and home boarders to apply for a license. At the end of day, this is about making sure that animals are treated humanely, avoid unnecessary suffering, and are allowed to experience good lives. Those who have a license agree to follow a strict list of conditions all of which are set with the welfare of the animals in mind. Our officers, wish to work with businesses to help them meet the necessary criteria – however, the introduction of the fixed penalty notices will add to the enforcement tools available if businesses fail to co-operate and continue to breach legislation”.
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