Animal charity Naturewatch has provided us with some excellent research over the past couple of years, including the popular Licensed Dog Breeding Map.
With new research by the foundation and updated statutory guidelines by the UK government, the current landscape of licensed dog breeding is highlighted and provide critical recommendations to elevate breeding standards.
The current breeding landscape
In the UK and Ireland, there are approximately 2,897 licensed dog breeders, with England representing the largest share at 81.3%. However, despite regulations, an estimated 75-80% of UK puppies still originate from unlicensed, illegal, or unknown sources, underscoring a significant welfare concern.
How is this worked out?
Licensed breeders collectively keep around 25,998 breeding females, with most operations being relatively small-scale. Despite incorrect reports from major broadcasters (we told them), only 66.1% manage 10 or fewer dogs. Yet, we all know that larger operations exist, especially in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, where some premises can have up to 350 dogs, highlighting the necessity of robust welfare and staffing regulations.
Half of England’s Licensed Breeders have a 5-star compliance.
England uniquely employs a star rating system to incentivise high standards among breeders. Currently, 55.8% of breeders hold a five-star rating, indicating excellent compliance with welfare standards. Nonetheless, about 2.3% maintain only one star, indicating minor compliance issues, affecting around 671 dogs. Improving these lower-rated establishments presents an immediate welfare opportunity.
Report recommendations for enhancing dog welfare
Responsible breeders play a crucial role in the overall well-being of dogs. The following recommendations, derived from recent consultations and Naturewatch Foundation’s insights, aim to support breeders in enhancing their standards:
Improve Transparency and Record-Keeping
- Local authorities are encouraged to maintain comprehensive records, including microchip data of breeding dogs, ensuring full transparency. DEFRA also updated their guidance with a new digital portal for direct reporting between the councils and DEFRA.
- Breeders should proactively maintain detailed records of their animals and breeding activities, readily accessible to inspectors. We know that record-keeping has been historically poor and a last-minute job for most breeders, who prefer a written checklist that can be quickly completed 10 minutes before the inspection. That’s why we created the Digital Paw Print
Strengthen Staffing Ratios
- Introduce minimum staffing requirements of one staff member per ten adult dogs, ensuring dogs receive adequate attention, care, and welfare oversight. This was also updated in April
Address Illegal and Unregulated Breeding
- Support reducing commercial licensing thresholds to two litters per year, introducing mandatory registration schemes for lower-volume breeders.
- Proactively cooperate with authorities to report and help curb illegal breeding and puppy smuggling.
Engage in Continuous Professional Development
- Licensed breeders are encouraged to pursue ongoing training, particularly those provided by reputable animal welfare organisations, ensuring up-to-date knowledge on best practices in animal welfare and management. The My Licensed Breeder Support Network has been created specifically for this reason, with monthly workshops and certificates to prove attendance. Find out more here:
Promote Higher Standards Through Collaboration
- Collaboration between breeders and animal welfare experts can significantly elevate standards, especially in establishments needing improvement. This cooperation can lead to tangible welfare enhancements for animals and better outcomes for puppies.
Legislative and Regulatory Developments
New licensing and regulatory developments, particularly in Wales, signal broader initiatives to tighten welfare standards. The Welsh Government’s national model consultation proposes to close legislative loopholes, ensuring uniform standards across various animal-related activities.
These reforms indicate an increasing push towards harmonised welfare standards, beneficial to responsible breeders and the wider community.
Read the report
Licensed breeders hold a significant responsibility in the canine welfare landscape. By actively engaging with enhanced regulatory frameworks and committing to continuous improvement in breeding practices, breeders can ensure they meet public expectations and provide the highest standards of animal welfare.
Responsible breeders can set the benchmark for exemplary animal welfare standards by adopting these recommended practices and supporting regulatory improvements. This will safeguard the health and welfare of countless dogs and puppies.
