A dog is for life not just for lockdown

An increase in the number of illegal breeders has contributed to a sharp increase in cases of abandoned dogs in South Derbyshire during the pandemic.

Since the start of the Covid pandemic the Licensing Team at South Derbyshire District Council has seen an increase in the number of allegations of unlicensed and unlawful dog breeding being reported. It is the Team’s belief that this has resulted in more and more puppies and dogs suffering ill health as a result of breeding conditions and then being abandoned or taken to re-homing centres.

The Licensing Team recommends that  anyone looking to provide a ‘forever home’ for a puppy, at the least, ask the following questions before making a purchase:

• Does this breeder have a licence? Did you know a licenced breeder will be registered with the Local Authority, to see our register of licensed breeders please click here
• Have you seen the mother/parents with the puppy?
• Is the puppy microchipped? This is a legal requirement!
• Can the breeder provide proof of the puppy’s vet checks? This should show you things like the puppy’s date of birth, vaccination history and general health.
• Will you receive a welcome puppy pack? This could include things such as Kennel Club registration and details of mum and dad.
• Don’t forget, make sure you receive a contract of sale (receipt) for your new family member. This should include details of what to do if your puppy has any health-related problems and/or restrictions imposed by the breeder.

Anyone who is breeding dogs or looking to breed dogs or knows someone who is, and is unsure if a licence is required, should contact the South Derbyshire District Council Licensing Department on 01283 221000 or email licensing@southderbyshire.gov.uk.

Councillor Malcolm Gee, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Licensing and Appeals Committee, said: “I would appeal to anyone thinking about buying a dog to do their research and make sure they deal with a reputable and licensed breeder, but also that they give serious consideration to whether they can give a dog the proper care and attention it will need throughout its life.”

4 February 2021