Licence summary
Schedule 1 of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 defines Dog breeding in the following way:
"Either or both of the following:
- breeding three or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period;
- breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs”
Full copy of the Animal Welfare Act.
In scope
This would include:
- anyone breeding three or more litters of puppies per year (unless they can demonstrate that none have been sold – either as puppies or adults)
- anyone breeding puppies and advertising a business of selling them (irrespective of the number of litters produced per year)
- this is not restricted to registered businesses, individuals can be classed as running a business depending on the extent of their activities
Out of scope
This would include:
- breeders who can provide documentary evidence that none of the puppies were sold, or that they kept all of the puppies themselves
- registered charities that re-home puppies that are born to rescue dogs
- anyone breeding only assistance dogs
- breeders that breed a small number of puppies and that sell them without making a profit (hobby breeders), documentary evidence will be required
Regulation
"Sufficient numbers of people who are competent for the purpose must be available to provide a level of care that ensures that the welfare needs of all the animals are met." Competence can be demonstrated by holding an appropriate qualification, but can also be demonstrated through suitable experience or training.
- A list of the general and specific conditions for the breeding of dogs.
- The guidance notes for the general and specific conditions for the breeding of dogs
New applications
Before any Animal Activity Licence is issued Warwick District Council must:
- Consider the current and previous conduct of the applicant to determine whether they are a fit and proper person to carry out the licensable activity
- Inspect the proposed site to assess if it is likely to meet the licence conditions (in some cases this may require a veterinarian to be present as well as the Local Authority Inspector)
- Consider the contents and recommendations of the inspectors report
- Ensure that the correct application form and fee have been received
The Animal Activity Licence, can be variable in duration, lasting between 1 and 3 years. Each licence issued will be determined by the outcome of the risk assessment undertaken during the inspection. Further information on this process can be found in the Procedural guidance notes.
Renewing a licence
Warwick District Council should advise each licence holder that their licence needs to be renewed 3 months before the current licence expires. The licence holder must apply for a renewal licence at least 10 weeks before their current licence expires, if they wish to continue to operate the licensable activity without a break. An inspection of the premises must be completed before a licence can be renewed.
The application form is available below in an editable word format or in a PDF format. Applications can be made via email or post to the Licensing contact details below.
An application for a new premises will be inspected by a council's retained veterinary surgeon who will examine each animal.
Fees
New Dog Breeders
The cost of an application depends on the number of bitches owned at the time of the first application. At first application the new dog breeder must initially pay the application fee only (see below link to Fees).
https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20605/online_services/687/online_payments
The fee for a Dog Breeding Licence is variable (1-3 years) and will be payable only after an inspection of your Centre has been carried out by our Licensing Enforcement Officer and a vet. Warwick District Council will then inform the applicant of the duration of the licence they have been granted and the amount payable. Payments made for a Dog Breeding Licence before an inspection is carried out will not be accepted.
Vet Fees - The Centre is responsible for all vets fees. The Centre may organise and pay their own vet or Warwick District Council can arrange a vet to attend the inspection and will invoice the Centre for the vets fees.
Renewal Applications
Licenced Dog Breeders renewing their licence must initially pay the application fee only (see below link to Fees).
Applicants should not assume they will be granted a licence of the same duration. Payments made for a Dog Breeding Licence before an inspection is carried out will not be accepted. The fee for a Dog Breeding Licence is variable (1-3 years) and will be payable only after an inspection of your Centre has been carried out by our Licensing Enforcement Officer.
Vets Fees - A vet is not required to attend the renewal inspection unless the Enforcement Officer deems one is required. If this is the case the Centre will be responsible for the fees.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.
Contact details
For any matter relating to this licence or associated applications, contact the Licensing Team on 01926 456705 or email licensing@warwickdc.gov.uk or post to Licensing, Warwick District Council, Town Hall, Parade, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 4AT.