Legislation agreed to improve dog breeding in NI
New legislation has been agreed this week in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which will regulate all commercial dog breeders. The move has been welcomed by veterinary associations and members of the profession.
President of the recently inaugurated BVA NI Branch Sandra Dunbar applauded the "political commitment to canine welfare" in Northern Ireland. BVA president Peter Jones added: "We fully support initiatives to clamp down on unscrupulous breeders and allow good breeders to demonstrate their own value to the puppy-buying public, so we are particularly pleased to learn these regulations have been approved.
"All too often veterinary surgeons are faced with a client holding a new puppy with health, welfare or behaviour problems, by which time it's too late," he said. The announcement is a welcome step forward for the veterinary profession and welfare and rehoming charities, who have lobbied for better legislation on dog breeding.
Announcing the new legislation, agriculture and rural development minister Michelle O'Neill said: "These Regulations set out clear welfare standards with which commercial dog breeders must comply. They provide the powers to allow action to be taken where a breeder does not meet these standards. Council inspectors will have strong enforcement powers to take action and to prosecute as necessary any commercial breeder who is operating in sub-standard conditions.”
The Minister added: “I appreciate that regulation alone will not stop so called “puppy farming”. This will take a concerted effort by members of the public, future dog owners, good breeders and enforcement agencies working together to identify breeders, licensed or unlicensed, who put financial gain before the welfare needs of their dogs and pups. However, the new enforcement powers and tough penalties will act as a strong deterrent to those taking part in illegal dog breeding activities, sending out a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.”
The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (NI) 2013 will have immediate effect for new dog breeders. Breeders already registered with their local council however will have six months after the expiry of their current licence, to comply with conditions of the licence which will require structural work to be undertaken at the premises. New Dogs (Guard Dog Kennels) Regulations will also come into force on 1 April 2013.
Whilst the new regulations have been broadly welcomed, O'Neill stressed the importance of supply and demand, urging future dog owners to be vigilant. Speaking of the important role of vets in educating the puppy-buying public, Peter Jones said: "This new legislation provides a timely opportunity to urge both buyers and sellers to follow the guidelines and advice set out in the AWF/RSPCA Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
