Dog Breeding Licence

Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 & 1991, Breeding & Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999


A breeding establishment is defined as any premises where the breeding of dogs for sale is carried on. A person will be presumed to be carrying on a business where during any 12 month period, five or more litters are born to their bitch / bitches. A decision as to whether a breeder with bitches producing fewer than five litters a year needs to be licensed will depend on whether the breeder concerned is carrying on a business: this can only be determined by the local authority on the facts of the case.
Additional conditions for dog breeders include:

  • That bitches are not mated if they are less than one year old.
  • That bitches do not give birth to more than six litters of puppies each.
  • That bitches do not give birth to puppies before the end of the 12 months beginning the day on which they last gave birth.
  • That accurate records are kept.

Winchester City Council is responsible for licensing establishments, shops or individuals that are involved in activities concerning animals. Licences run from the date they are issued for a 12 month period and are renewable annually. The licence charges are listed below.

Conditions
 

Winchester City Council must impose any conditions on the licence that it considers to be necessary, such as:

  • Animals will be kept in accommodation that is suitable regarding size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, and cleanliness.
  • Animals will be supplied with adequate food, drink, and bedding material.
  • Animals will be adequately exercised and visited regularly.
  • Precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of infectious or contagious diseases.
  • Appropriate steps will be taken in case of fire or other emergency.

Refusal of licence


Licenses may be refused, cancelled or revoked for several reasons (please note that not all the restrictions are relevant to all licenses). The courts may disqualify applicants from holding an animal licence for a set period of time:

  • If the applicant is under 18.
  • If the applicant has been disqualified from holding an animal licence or keeping an animal.
  • If conditions of the licence are not met.

Fees


The fees for Animal Licensing in 2012 are as follows:

Dog Breeders - £150.00 for license and one initial inspection. Additional costs will be charged if further inspections are required to ensure compliance with licensing conditions before issuing.

Click on this link to apply and pay online