FOI request (FOIR-737932477)

Dog Breeders - Enforcement of schedule 6, para 6(5) LAIAR 2018

Requested Fri 08 August 2025
Responded Wed 03 September 2025

1. How many dog breeders are currently licensed by your council?

2. How do you assess compliance with the dog breeding licence condition set out in schedule 6, para 6(5) of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (LAIAR), which states, 'No dog may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of its genotype, phenotype or state of health that breeding from it could have a detrimental effect on its health or welfare or the health or welfare of its offspring'?

3. Please advise:

a. How many instances of non-compliance with schedule 6, para 6(5) of LAIAR has your council recorded since October 2018?

b. How many dog breeding licences have been i) refused, ii) varied, iii) suspended, or iv) revoked by your council due to non-compliance with schedule 6, para 6(5) of LAIAR since October 2018?

c. How many operators have been i) prosecuted for and ii) convicted of an offence contrary to regulation 20(1)(a) LAIAR by your council for breaching the dog breeding licence condition contained in schedule 6, para 6(5) LAIAR?

d. If applicable, what penalties were imposed on any convicted operators referred to in your response to 3(c)?

4. With reference to your answer to question 3(a) above, if any instances of non-compliance were recorded, please indicate the grounds upon which the operator was found to be in breach of schedule 6, para 6(5) LAIAR?

5. Please provide copies of any internal policies relating to the enforcement and implementation of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

6. For all dog breeding licences issued or refused in the past three years, please provide copies of inspection forms held. I understand that any personal information will need to be redacted. If inspection reports are not held (for example, because inspections are carried out by another local authority or regulatory service on your council’s behalf) please provide the name of the authority/service provider that holds this information.

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Response

1. 2

2. We would instruct a vet as follows:

a. Genotype Assessment:

- Screen for hereditary conditions.

- Review DNA test results.

- Check pedigree for inbreeding or genetic disorders.

b. Phenotype Assessment:

- Look for exaggerated physical traits.

- Assess behavioural issues.

- Identify physical abnormalities.

c. Health Status:

- Review veterinary records.

- Evaluate reproductive health.

- Check overall welfare and body condition.

d. Documentation and Inspection:

- Confirm vet consultation.

- Verify breeder's records.

- Complete inspector's welfare report.

3a. 0

3b. 0

3c. 0

3d. Not applicable

4. Not applicable

5. Please see:

https://hastings.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s31819/Enc.%201%20for%20Animal%20Welfare%20Licensing%20Policy.pdf

https://hastings.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=202.aspx

6. Please see attached