PETA strives for more awareness of Backyard Breeding

Non-profit animal rights organisation PETA are backing the new regulations put into place by the government, “This law is a good first step to impose some restrictions on heartless puppy breeders, who prey on the uninformed public.”

The new regulations ensure that after the 1^st October, anyone breeding three or more litters and selling at least one puppy in a 12-month period will require a dog breeding licence, this is a reduction from the previous litter test of five or more litters. In a statement from The Kennel Club, it has also been made clear that a breeder can breed as many puppies as they like without a licence “if the person carrying on the activity (breeding) provides documentary evidence that none of them have been sold (whether as puppies or as adult dogs)”.

A vet or other suitable professional makes thorough checks on breeding conditions before a license can be obtained – this license should be obtained if a breeder is making a profit from breeding or is breeding more than five litters a year. These checks make sure accommodation is suitable, as well as thorough checks of living conditions like water, food, and cleanliness. These checks should be carried out annually in order for an owner to renew their dog breeding license. This also ensures conditions do not deteriorate, and legitimate breeding is continued. At Pets Not Profit we have created a guide in breeding your dog ethically, abiding by these guidelines.

The new regulations will also include a star rating system – devised to both reward high performing breeding establishments and to give further help to the puppy buying public in identifying good and legitimate breeders.

It is not only overbreeding of dogs in homes that are common, puppy mills are a large issue in the UK, anything that is a large-scale commercial dog breeding facility where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs is considered a puppy mill – these usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization.

PETA state, “In puppy mills, female dogs are forced to churn out litter after litter until their bodies are worn out. They commonly spend their entire lives in filthy cages and, because of a lack of veterinary care, are prone to illness.”

It is still evident that awareness is a huge issue, PETA claim that “Most people who buy dogs from pet shops or breeders are unaware of the suffering that occurs behind the scenes in this shady business – which treats animals as money-making objects.”.

Whilst this regulation may combat some of the worst abuse on puppy factory farms, breeding animals for profit is an inherently cruel and irresponsible practice, as thousands of lovable and highly adoptable dogs are euthanised in the UK every year for lack of good homes.

People who are willing to commit to taking proper care of a dog – or any other animal – should avoid breeders and pet shops like the plague and save a life by adopting from their local shelter.”

PETA’s blog also contains more information on their views on breeding regulations and information and advice on finding legitimate dog breeders.

To help, please sign the Petition, and follow the Twitter and Facebook pages for constant updates on how the campaign is going.