How the UK is Leading the Way With Puppy Legislation

In recent years, the UK has taken significant steps in regulating the sale and breeding of puppies, with key influential figures like Marc Abraham playing a pivotal role. Marc founded the puppy farm (or puppy mill) awareness campaign 'Pup Aid' and led the successful 'Lucy's Law' campaign in Westminster to ban commercial 3rd party puppy sales. His campaign for Lucy’s Law has led to notable changes that have inspired global efforts to improve animal welfare, including influencing recent changes in Canada.

Marc Abraham and Lucy’s Law

Marc Abraham, a well-known UK veterinarian, started the PupAid campaign to address the issues of unethical puppy farming. His work eventually led to the passing of Lucy’s Law, a landmark piece of legislation that bans the sale of puppies and kittens by third-party sellers, ensuring better treatment and transparency for future pet owners.

Find out more about Marc and Lucy’s Law.

The Animal Activities Licensing Regime

The implementation of Lucy’s Law also brought forth the Animal Activities Licensing Regime, which focuses on two critical areas:

• Animal Sales License: Ensures sellers meet high welfare standards for animals.

• Breeding License: Regulates breeding practices to improve conditions for puppies and adult dogs.

These laws ensure greater accountability in the breeding and selling puppies, making it harder for unethical practices to continue.

Breeding Laws in Other Countries

1. England's Breeding Laws

In England, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 outlines the rules for breeders:

• Breeding License Requirement: Any breeder who produces 3 or more litters in a 12-month period or operates a business selling puppies must have a license.

• Business Definition: Even if fewer than three litters are bred, a license is required if the breeder earns money from the sale of puppies (often judged by criteria such as advertising puppies for sale regularly).

• Welfare Standards: Licensed breeders must meet welfare standards, including:

• Puppies must be kept with their biological mothers until at least eight weeks old.

• The breeding environment should provide adequate space, hygiene, food, and dog socialization.

• Proper veterinary care must be available for puppies and breeding dogs.

• All breeders are expected to follow the DEFRA's guidance on dog breeding, ensuring that health checks, vaccinations, and socialization are prioritized.

2. Wales’ Breeding Laws

In Wales, the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 governs breeding practices:

• Breeding License Requirement: Any individual breeds three or more litters yearly or operates a breeding business must be licensed.

• Welfare Conditions: Breeders must maintain high welfare standards for adult dogs and puppies, similar to those in England.

• There are stringent conditions around care, housing, health checks, and record-keeping for breeders.

3. Scotland’s Breeding Laws

In Scotland, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 applies:

• License Requirement: Breeding more than three litters in a 12-month or engaging in puppy sales as a business requires a license.

• Welfare Regulations: Breeders must ensure that puppies are raised in a suitable environment with appropriate care. Puppies cannot be sold before eight weeks of age.

• Scotland has recently increased its enforcement of breeding licenses, especially against puppy farms and unethical breeding practices.

4. Northern Ireland’s Breeding Laws

In Northern Ireland, the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 sets the requirements:

• Breeders require a license if they have three or more breeding bitches or breed more than three litters in a year.

• Business Test: Like other parts of the UK, breeding as part of a business (determined by advertising, selling, and the number of puppies) requires licensing.

• There are strict conditions regarding housing, health care, and the general welfare of the animals.

How the UK is Leading the Way

The UK has become a model for how animal welfare legislation can protect pets and buyers alike. By implementing stricter rules and focusing on direct breeder-to-buyer relationships, the UK is reducing the risks associated with puppy farming.

General Regulations Across the UK

• Puppy Age Restrictions: Puppies must be at least eight weeks old before they are sold.

• Sale Regulations: Sales must be conducted responsibly, and in many cases, breeders must provide buyers with health information about the puppies, including details of vaccinations and veterinary checks.

• Third-Party Sales Ban: In 2020, Lucy’s Law came into force across the UK, banning the sale of puppies and kittens by third-party sellers such as pet shops or commercial dealers. Puppies must be sold directly from the place where they were born.

Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeding

In addition to the formal licensing laws, UK authorities have been cracking down on puppy farms—intensive, large-scale breeding operations that often prioritize profit over animal welfare.

• Puppy farms often operate outside the law, providing inadequate care for dogs, leading to health issues and poor socialization in puppies.

• The enforcement of breeding licenses and mandatory welfare checks has helped reduce puppy farms, but they still exist, especially through online marketplaces.

• Puppy Contracts: The Puppy Contract (from the website you referenced) is a tool to help breeders and buyers engage in responsible transactions. It ensures that puppies are raised in a healthy environment and provides transparency about their health, breeding background, and care instructions.

• Kennel Club Guidelines: Many ethical breeders follow the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme, which goes beyond legal requirements and ensures that dogs are health-tested for breed-specific conditions and raised in an environment that promotes socialization and good health.

Voluntary Welfare Standards

Some breeders voluntarily participate in additional certification and welfare programs to demonstrate their commitment to the dogs' well-being:

• Health Screening: Testing breeding dogs for common genetic conditions and hereditary diseases, such as hip dysplasia or heart issues.

• Socialization Programs: Ensuring puppies are exposed to various stimuli, other dogs, and people to aid their development.

In the UK, dog breeders are subject to stringent laws to promote dogs' welfare and ensure ethical breeding practices. These laws focus on licensing, age restrictions for selling puppies and providing an adequate living environment. Breeders who engage in good practices, such as adhering to the Puppy Contract or participating in the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme, go above and beyond legal requirements, contributing to the health and well-being of puppies.

At Paction

At Paction, we believe in 3 major tenents: 

• Pup Parents and Pup Providers should work together to protect the welfare of dogs, both generally speaking for the breed and on the level of the individual pup

• Those who breed dogs should be focused on the physical health, mental health and the temperament of the parent dogs and their litters

• Every dog should be bred with the intention of creating a healthy and satisfying life for the pup

The Paction Promise is a commitment to ensuring that every breeder who onboards Paction is operating within the terms of these tenents. The Paction Promise is important for prospective pup parents, so that they know they can trust that they are working with breeders who are dedicated to providing intentional and responsible breeding, helping to foster a better future for dogs across Canada.

See the actual agreement that Paction breeders sign to be part of the Paction Program here, The Paction Certification Program.

Conclusion

The UK’s progressive stance on puppy welfare, driven by Marc Abraham’s campaign, is a model organizations like Paction can follow. We can also improve animal welfare in Canada through responsible breeding practices and better legislation.