A new YouGov survey has revealed that the majority of people in Britain support the idea of dog licences. This could shape the future of dog ownership and dog breeding in the UK.
What the Public Thinks
- 54% of adults believe all dog owners should be required to have a licence
- 31% support licences only for certain breeds
- Just 8% think no licence is needed at all
Support spans all ages and political backgrounds. Most voters, regardless of party, agree that some sort of licensing is necessary.
If dog licences return, breeders will likely feel the impact first, and this could be a positive step.
Here’s why:
- A licensing system could, and probably should, tie each puppy to a breeder
- Puppies might only be eligible for a licence if they come from a licensed breeder
- Buyers should have to prove the puppy’s origin during the licence application
- These steps would educate buyers on the regulations and push unlicensed breeding further out of reach for buyers.
There have been many evidence-based reports that decribe how local authorities are struggling to enforce licensing for dogs. This is quite simply because it’s not as lucrative as taxis, the nighttime economy or food and drink establishments.
However, there are many more dogs than breeders and if we follow Northern Ireland’s approach, a few pounds could account for the extra finances they need to do the job correctly.
A Simple Rule: No Licence Without a Licensed Breeder
Linking the buyer’s dog licence to the seller’s breeder licence could change the landscape:
- Unlicensed sellers wouldn’t be able to offload puppies
- Breeders who meet welfare and inspection standards would stand out
- Puppy buyers would gain confidence knowing the dog came from a verified source
It’s a simple change, but it could close many of the loopholes that allow illegal sales to continue.
Northern Ireland Already Does Licensing
Northern Ireland already has a working dog licensing system, and here’s how that works.
- Every dog over six months must be licensed
- Owners must apply for the licence before getting the dog
- Dogs must be microchipped
- Fines for breaking the rules can reach £1,000
It’s affordable, enforceable, and laid out. Many see it as a model that could be adopted elsewhere in the rest of the UK and integrated into breeding regulations.
So, what could happen if the dog licensing picks up pace?
The survey shows strong public support, but that’s probably based on the press reporting on the government’s decision to ban XL Bullies. The challenge now is turning that into a policy that’s fair, simple, and effective.
For breeders who already follow the rules, this could help:
- Increase buyer trust
- Shut down illegal competition
- Raise industry standards
Those operating without a licence (because they meet the minimum litter ruling) may find this unfair, but let’s be honest, most are breaking the business test rule and making decent profits from their litter. I don’t say that in haste – a quick search on the nation’s favourite marketplaces will confirm that.
