What are the new laws on puppy breeding?
In October 2018 the government in England introduced a new law about breeding and selling puppies. It’s designed to help protect the welfare of puppies and their parents. The rules apply to anyone who is: breeding three or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period (unless they don’t sell any of the puppies)
Is it illegal to sell puppies younger than 8 weeks?
The plans to tighten up laws around selling pets and breeding dogs will make it completely illegal to sell puppies younger than eight weeks and require anyone breeding and selling three or more litters of puppies a year to apply for a formal licence.
Is it illegal to make money by breeding dogs?
Furthermore, tax avoidance is punishable by law, therefore, any income a dog breeder obtains through any form of breeding or related activities such as dog shows and other prizes must be reported. It’s highly advisable that any dog breeder, whether breeding by profession or hobby, should seek out a reliable and professional tax advisor.
Is it a criminal offence to sell a dog outside of a breeding establishment?
There are a number of criminal offences relating to the sale of dogs by licensed breeders under the 1999 Act, including: selling a dog at a place other than the licensed breeding establishment, a licensed pet shop (or a licensed Scottish rearing establishment);
Is it illegal to sell a dog without a pedigree?
Buyers of pedigreed dogs are still protected under UCC and state laws governing the sales of pets. Additionally , some states make it an additional crime for sellers to knowingly misrepresent a dog’s pedigree or registry.
What happens if you sell a pet without a license?
For many states, the laws only apply to pet dealers, retail pet store, or pet breeders, so penalties involve revocation of state licenses or other administrative penalties. What happens in those states without such laws?
Can a puppy be sold without a written contract?
Few breeders would sell a puppy without a written record of the sale, but a surprising number make oral amendments when issues related to the sale of the puppy arise—and need resolution— later on. Oral agreements are inherently problematic. Even if both parties can remember what they agreed, it is difficult to prove.
Is there contract law for selling a pet?
In states without pet lemon laws, contract law may only apply to the merchant who sold the pet to the consumer. The merchant might be a pet shop, a breeder or an individual who sells multiple litters of puppies each year. Courts will determine whether contract law governs a particular seller on a case-by-case basis.
