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The Scottish SPCA has launched a free scheme for responsible puppy breeders .The Assured Puppy Breeders Scheme creates a hub for responsible breeders. The Scheme is available to any dog breeder in Scotland. SSPCA inspectors will assess applications and visit breeding premises annually to make sure that high welfare standards are in place. The general public will be able to view members of the Scheme through the ‘Say No to Puppy Dealers’ website and look in to buying a puppy safely from them.

The Government’s decision to pass this law was in 2018 and will come into force in April 2020.

The law states that no-one other than the breeder is allowed to sell puppies to the public. No third parties or dealers are allowed to advertise or carry out such a trade. The law comes with the advice to the public to see the puppies with their mother and to visit the breeder more than once. If properly enforced this law should bring about the end of ‘puppy farming.’

CAWGW was set up to be a specific voice for companion animals in Wales.

It has a similar function to the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) in England and comprises representatives from the major animal welfare charities, such as the RSPCA, PDSA and Dogs Trust and smaller groups which focus on a specific species, such as the Dog Breeding Reform Group (DBRG)

Schedule 6

Specific conditions: breeding dogs

In addition to the five welfare needs: suitable environment; suitable diet; housing with or apart from other dogs; normal behaviour; protection from pain, suffering,injury and disease. This law 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 and welfare of its offspring

Note: for the first time there is now some protection for offspring from genetic disease and conformational (physical) extremes.

May 2015 The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations comes into force. The new Regulations  imposes tougher welfare criteria for those rearing dogs and puppies. The law applies to those breeders who keep three or more breeding bitches. Measures include a minimum staff ratio of 1:20 and a requirement to adopt socialisation plans for puppies. The Welsh Local Government Association will play a crucial role in implementing the new regulations.