FOLLOWING an investigation by Mid Devon District Council, Mrs Kelly Khan of Crediton pleaded guilty at Exeter Magistrates’ Court to running a dog breeding establishment without the required licence.

She was fined £538, ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £636 and was given a £53 victim surcharge.

This dog breeding business came to light in April this year following a fire at 3-4 East End, Poughill, in which a number of dogs sadly died.

Subsequent investigations by the Council’s Licensing Team revealed that the business, operating as “Brantley Bulldogs”, had advertised five litters of puppies for sale since July 2015, with each puppy alone being advertised online for prices between £1,700 – £2,300.

Under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, any person carrying on a business of breeding dogs for sale must have a licence from the Local Authority.

The council says it does not matter how many litters of puppies you have, if it is a business then a licence is required.

Derek Coren, Chair of MDDC’s Licensing Committee, said: “We licence dog breeding establishments to ensure the welfare of the animals involved.

“As part of the licensing process the Council carries out a number of checks to ensure that dogs are kept in a safe and suitable environment and cared for in the right way.  

“Before buying a puppy, please make sure you ask questions of the breeder, visit the premises and, if you are buying from a seller who you think is running a business, ask to see a licence from the Local Authority. If you have any concerns please contact the Council to report them”.

The Government is currently proposing new licensing rules which may mean that more people need a licence for dog breeding.

At the moment, anyone operating a business of breeding dogs for sale needs a licence, regardless of the number of litters sold. However, anyone who has five or more litters in a year will automatically be treated as carrying on a business and require a licence.

The Government’s new proposal is to reduce this five litter threshold to three litters or more in a year. These rules will likely come into effect in 2018 and further information can be found on the website: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/animal-welfare-reviewing-animal-establishments-licensing-in-england.

If anyone has any questions or queries about dog breeders, or if you breed dogs and are unsure if you need a licence, please contact Mid Devon District Council on 01884 255255 or alternatively email: [email protected] .

Alan Quick