All Brighton and Hove dog breeders will now need a licence under new animal welfare licensing rules which come into effect on Monday.
Changes are being introduced nationally by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to modernise the licensing system, and maintain and improve animal welfare standards.
A single licensing scheme will now cover pet shops, dog breeders, dog and cat boarding (including day care for dogs), hiring of horses, and anyone exhibiting or displaying animals for money. The scheme replaces a number of pieces of previous legislation.
One of the main changes is that anyone breeding and selling dogs will now need a licence – previously a licence was only required for breeding five or more litters of puppies a year.
The licence for domestic breeders costs £275, and commercial breeders £315.
Similarly anyone providing boarding for cats or dogs (including dog day care) will need a licence. Previously a licence was only required for overnight boarding. The commercial dog boarding licence costs £315 and the domestic £250.
Councils will set fees for licences locally, details of Brighton and Hove charges are on the website
Councillor Jackie O’Quinn, chair of the council’s Licensing Committee, said: “This is all about protecting the welfare of animals and bringing the licensing system up to date. For example, more people now provide day care in their homes for dogs, as an alternative to kennels, and more are breeding dogs at home for sale.
“The new legislation will enable us to ensure animals in all businesses are well cared for, and provide reassurance for pet owners.”
Licence fees are based on the cost of running the licensing scheme and carrying out inspections, and will be kept under review.
A national ratings system will be introduced and licences will be issued for one, two or three years depending on the rating achieved.
Existing animal licences held by businesses are still valid until their expiry date.
For information about how to apply for a licence visit the website, email ehl.animalwelfare@brighton-hove.gov.uk, or call 01273 292170.
Licensing of zoos and dangerous and wild animals will continue under existing legislation.
To be honest. I agree wholly with protecting the welfare of the animals BUT what I would challenge is that Puppy Farms are licensed and I certainly wouldn’t say that they protect the welfare of animals