The palgrave international handbook of a 39

Table 1 Summary of main legislation relating to the trade, sale and breeding of dogs in the UK
How effective is it at dealing with the
trade?

Legislation

What it does

Breeding of
puppies

Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
(England and Scotland)
Breeding and Sale of Dogs
(Welfare) Act 1999
(England and Scotland)
Animal Welfare (Breeding
of Dogs) (Wales)
Regulations 2014
Dogs (Licensing and
Identification)
Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 2012
Microchipping of Dogs
(England) Regulations
2015
Microchipping of Dogs
(Scotland) Regulations
2016
Microchipping of Dogs
(Wales) Regulations 2015

Sets conditions for licensing of commercial dog breeding establishments; dogs
cannot be sold before 8 weeks of age

Enforcement is a challenge; allows licensing of any dog breeders but it is only
mandatory for those breeding over five
(England) or three litters (Wales) a year

Makes it compulsory to identify a dog
from 8 weeks and ensure that its details
are kept up to date

This is a relatively recent requirement in
England and Wales and consequently is
difficult to evaluate. Approximately 15 %
of dogs are not yet microchipped and
enforcement is expected to be challenging
as, it will be difficult to ensure owner’s
details are updated and it is not seen as a
priority area for local authorities (enforcers) and they have not been provided
with any extra resources to do so

Identification
of dogs

Breeding and Selling of Companion Animals

Issue

(continued )

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