Clampdown on dog breeders

Tougher new guidelines for breeders making money out of selling puppies have been welcomed by dog lovers both locally and nationally. The new rules, which can be found on Suffolk Coastal's website, state:

- all breeders making money out of selling dogs will now have to apply for a licence
- they will also have to register with HMRC and inform benefits agencies of their additional earnings
- breeders will need to show their licence number when they advertise pups for sale on websites and social media platforms
- to obtain a licence a breeder's premises must comply with rigorous standards - an initial inspection will be undertaken with a Veterinary Officer - AND they must comply with the necessary planning rules
- people who operate more than one business will have to apply for licences for each activity. For example, an animal boarding business (which includes home boarders and day carers), breeding animals, selling animals as pets or hiring / training animals for exhibitions would require multiple applications.

For further information or advice call the Environmental Protection Team at Suffolk Coastal on 01394 383789