How the New Licensing Consultation Could Affect Dog Breeders in Wales

A week after Baroness Hayman announced the 2024 Post Implementation Review (PIR) of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. The Welsh deputy first minister also published the Welsh Government’s consultation on animal welfare licensing.

This covers a broad area of licensing activities but as dog breeders, you may wonder how these changes impact you.

Whether you’re already licensed or operate responsibly, under the licensing threshold, understanding these proposed changes is vital for protecting the future of responsible breeding in Wales. Here’s what you need to know.

Why breeders should take note

The consultation alludes to investigating a National Model for animal welfare regulation, helping to close gaps in current laws and updating outdated regulations.

For dog breeders, this is significant because:

The Existing regulations such as the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 could be integrated into a broader, more consistent model.
Like the England PIR, feedback has emphasised ensuring that all breeders adhere to high welfare standards, such as proper housing, socialisation, and veterinary care.
It’s widely reported that some breeders avoid regulation by operating under different banners, such as rescues, rehoming or informal networks. These gaps could be closed, ensuring a level playing field for all breeders.

So, what changes could be proposed?

They are currently analysing the 1,100 responses and have suggested that they need 12 weeks to evaluate the responses. Reading between the lines, the consultation seems to infer several key changes relevant to breeders:

Possible mandatory Licensing for All Breeders – regardless of scale, breeders may need to meet licensing criteria. This could include inspections, breeder record-keeping, and welfare checks.
Set minimum Standards Across the Board – These could include staff-to-dog ratios, appropriate facilities, and health assessments for breeding dogs and litters.
Greater Enforcement – Local authorities would have clearer powers to inspect and intervene, ensuring compliance.

We understand there may be concerns about if and how these changes will be implemented, especially for smaller breeders.

Licensing fees and compliance costs could add pressure, and even today local authorities face challenges in ensuring fair enforcement. That’s why it’s essential for breeders to engage in consultations and have their voices heard.

Our licensed breeder’s members recommendations.

Based on our 2024 Licensed breeder survey with our members and also non-members, we would encourage the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs and the team to consider the following feedback.

1. Introduce Licensing for Scale

Introduce a tiered licensing based on the scale of the business. Large-scale commercial breeders may require more rigorous checks, while small-scale or hobby breeders could follow a lighter-touch licensing model to reduce administrative burdens.

2. Licensing Fees

Proportional fees based on the size and scale of breeding operations, offering reduced fees for smaller breeders who demonstrate strong welfare practices. This would help ensure accessibility while funding enforcement activities.

3. Support for the transition to Licensing

Offer support for breeders transitioning to compliance. This could be educational support through recognised qualifications CPD and OFQUAL. Government grants or subsidies to cover initial licensing costs for small breeders along with training programs to help breeders meet new requirements.

4. Balanced Enforcement

Unless the welfare of the animals is completely compromised, enforcement should prioritise education over penalties for first-time or minor infractions. Use inspections and software to provide constructive advice rather than punitive measures. A balanced approach could encourage compliance and support breeders’ compliance. We have case studies from our network that could help support this suggestion.

5. Selling Platforms

Pressure on selling platforms to measure key indicators and implement mandatory checks to ensure breeders fall within the licensing bracket and meet welfare requirements. Technically this should be an easy automated process to help them curb illegal sales. Platforms can act as gatekeepers, creating an additional enforcement layer without a direct burden on local authorities.

6. Clear Definitions and Guidance

Provide clear definitions for terms like “hobby breeder”, “commercial breeder,” and “a rescue organisation”. Define what a rehoming fee is and cap the amount that can be charged. Ambiguities can lead to inconsistencies in enforcement and unintended consequences for breeders.

Call to Action for Welsh Government

The Licensed Breeder Network urges the Welsh Government to include selling platforms as part of their National Model for animal welfare regulation. By integrating these requirements into the updated framework, Wales can set a precedent for using digital tools to enhance compliance and public trust.