Plymouth City Council are set to introduce a new Animal Licensing Policy on the 1st of April 2025, which raises an interesting question, what if this approach was adopted across the UK?
What’s Changing for Breeders in Plymouth
A new policy in Plymouth will introduce stricter measures designed to improve animal welfare and accountability:
- Fit and Proper Person Checks – Breeding licence applicants will need to provide a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to evidence they have no convictions or disqualifications. To prevent unsuitable applicants from obtaining a licence.
- Stronger Safeguarding Measures – A breeding business which may involve interactions with children or vulnerable people will be required to have a written safeguarding policy and training in place for staff.
- Staff Vetting Procedures – A breeding business will also need to introduce a vetting process for employed or voluntary staff who work with children or vulnerable people, adding another layer of protection.
The new measures by Plymouth City Council claim to create a more responsible and better regulated environment for dog breeding businesses. But what if this policy is implemented across the UK, would this lead to improvement in standards and better enforcement.
What Would a National Rollout Look Like?
Introducing this policy across the UK would have a big impact:
- Oversight and Compliance – Checks and procedures would make it easier for councils to ensure that only responsible individuals run licensed animal businesses.
- Welfare Standards – With clearer requirements in place, licensed breeders would need to ensure they maintain higher animal welfare standards, reducing the risk of neglect or misconduct.
- Public Confidence in Licensed Breeders – A nationwide adoption would help the general public feel reassured that licensed breeders will be required to meet high standards.
However some small scale licensed breeders may struggle with the additional costs and administrative work required to stay compliant. Therefor Local Authorities would also need sufficient resources to enforce the new rules effectively.
Should More Be Done About Unlicensed Breeders?
Although this is a step in the right direction for animal welfare, should more focus be done to take action against unlicensed breeder activity instead? Whilst searching google and pet selling sites, there seems to be unlicensed breeders continuing to operate under the radar within the Plymouth City Council area without requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
A total of six Plymouth City Council licensed breeders now have to meet stricter welfare standards.
Finding the Right Balance
While some licensed breeders may see the introduction of stricter regulations as another cost and further work, stronger safeguards and clearer rules will benefit everyone and most importantly, animal welfare.
If introduced across the UK the task will be ensuring that these changes are implemented in a way that help licensed breeders comply without adding additional burdens. If Plymouth’s City Councils policy proves a success, it could be the start of a roll out across the UK.
To view the proposed policy change, visit Plymouth City Councils website: New animal licensing policy on the way | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK
