Torridge District Council issues first Penalty Notice to unlicensed dog breeder

Torridge District Council is reminding all dog breeders to ensure that they are operating with a license, after serving its first Penalty Notice to a local unlicensed breeder.  The breeder was found to have bred one litter of puppies, selling each puppy for a high value.  As there were no evident welfare concerns, a penalty notice was issued, avoiding prosecution in court.

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. Penalty notices can also be used to tackle poor welfare standards and unlicensed activities in home boarding establishments, kennels, riding establishments, catteries, pet shops and exhibiting animals. 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 if they meet the business test, which includes selling £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 Penalty Notices we can encourage un-licensed animal activities to apply for a license.  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.  At the end of the day, this is about making sure that animals are treated humanely, avoid unnecessary suffering, and are allowed to experience good lives."