Plymouth City Council is set to introduce a new Animal Licensing Policy on April 1, 2025, raising an important question: what if this approach were 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 must provide a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to demonstrate they have no relevant convictions or disqualifications, ensuring unsuitable individuals cannot obtain a licence.
- Stronger Safeguarding Measures – Breeding businesses involving interactions with children or vulnerable individuals must have a written safeguarding policy and provide staff training.
- Staff Vetting Procedures – Breeding businesses must implement a vetting process for employed or voluntary staff who work with children or vulnerable people, adding an extra layer of protection.
Plymouth City Council states that these new measures will create a more responsible and well-regulated environment for dog breeding businesses. But if this policy were implemented across the UK, would it improve standards and enforcement?
What Would a National Rollout Look Like?
Implementing this policy nationwide could have a significant impact:
- Improved Oversight and Compliance – These checks and procedures would help councils ensure that only responsible individuals run licensed animal businesses.
- Higher Welfare Standards – Clearer requirements would compel licensed breeders to maintain better animal welfare practices, reducing the risk of neglect or misconduct.
- Greater Public Confidence – A nationwide adoption of these policies would reassure the public that licensed breeders adhere to high standards.
However, some small-scale licensed breeders may struggle with the additional costs and administrative requirements needed to stay compliant. Local authorities would also require sufficient resources to enforce the new regulations effectively.
Should More Be Done About Unlicensed Breeders?
While this is a step in the right direction for animal welfare, should more focus be placed on addressing unlicensed breeder activity? A quick search on Google and pet-selling websites suggests that unlicensed breeders continue to operate under the radar within the Plymouth City Council area, without the requirement for a DBS check.
Currently, six Plymouth City Council-licensed breeders must meet stricter welfare standards, but what about the many unlicensed breeders?
Finding the Right Balance
While some licensed breeders may see these stricter regulations as an added cost and administrative burden, stronger safeguards and clearer rules ultimately benefit everyone—especially animal welfare.
If introduced across the UK, the challenge will be implementing these changes in a way that helps licensed breeders comply without unnecessary difficulties. If Plymouth City Council’s policy proves successful, it could pave the way for a national rollout.
To view the proposed policy change, visit the Plymouth City Council website: New Animal Licensing Policy on the Way | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK.
