Cumbrian dog breeders urged to check if they need a licence
Buyers also encouraged to check.
Cumberland Council is urging dog breeders to check if they need a licence to avoid potential punishment.
Breeders need a licence if they run a business that breeds or advertises dogs for sale. Licences are valid for up to three years and must be renewed before expiry if the business is still operating.
The conditions of a dog breeding licence ensure that puppies are well cared for, provided with adequate food, water, and shelter, and exercised regularly, transported safely, protected in an emergency, and injury and suffering are avoided.
Those found breaching a licence can have their licence revoked or suspended. Those found operating without a licence could be taken to court where penalties can range from fines to up to five years in prison.
Prospective buyers are also encouraged to look into whether the breeder they are dealing with is lisenced.
Vicky Rutherford is a licensed breeder and owns Nook on Lyne Labradors.
She said: "We are an ethical breeder, we have a maximum of 2 litters a year of extensively health tested puppies.
"It's really important because it means you know that breeder has met exceptionally high standards set by the local authority and an independent vet to ensure the highest possible standards for animal welfare. This should be any breeders main priority.
"They look at accommodation, enrichment, socialisation and excersise protocols and to make sure your providing the very best care for the dogs you do have.
"It's really easy to find out if a breeder is licensed, they can just speak to the local authority.
"Even if someone says they are a licensed breeder it's still really important to do the due diligence and check."
Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Policy and Regulatory Services, said: "We’re cracking down on illegal dog breeders in Cumberland.
"It’s vitally important that owners understand the implications of buying from an unlicenced breeder.
"When puppies are taken away from their mothers too young, transported over long-distances unsafely, and are not adequately well cared for, this can lead to very serious implications for the animal and its new owner, including costly medical bills and life threating illnesses for the animal.
"We have a whole host of information for puppy owners and breeders, and a highly knowledgeable team who can provide expert guidance.
"We’re urging breeders to check if they need a licence to avoid potential legal action – regulations have changed over recent years, and we don’t want anyone to be caught out.
"We’re also urging potential owners to check they’re buying from a licenced breeder and report any suspicious activity to our licencing officers.
"We’re passionate about the welfare of animals and bringing justice to those who break the law."
Anyone who would like to check the status of a licenced breeder can do so by contacting the council’s environmental health team.