Liverpool City Council is stepping up efforts to combat the growing problem of illegal dog breeding operations, and warn potential buyers of the serious risks to animal welfare and public safety.
National figures show that potentially, only 15 per cent of dogs entering the UK population each year are bred legally.
As a result of these shocking statistics, Liverpool residents are being advised to follow a simple checklist if they are considering introducing a furry friend to their family:
- Be aware that under UK law, a breeding licence is required – regardless of whether it is a business or an individual, or the number of litters produced.
- Always ask to see the puppy with its mother in the place it was bred.
- Request vaccination records and health checks.
- Avoid cash-only deals or sellers who refuse to provide documentation.
- Be cautious of online listings – ensure you can trace the sellers and have their full contact details.
- Does it have to be a puppy? There are thousands of older pooches waiting to be re-homed.
Unlicensed breeders are generating tens of thousands of pounds annually while evading taxes and not abiding by even the most basic standards of animal care. Operating behind closed doors, these breeders – who can earn in excess of £50,000 for a designer breed – often keep dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
Female dogs are bred repeatedly with little recovery time, leading to severe health complications and shortened lifespans. Puppies are frequently sold online or through informal networks, often without health checks, vaccinations, or proper documentation.
Liverpool City Council receives less than 20 reports about illegal dog breeding each year, although the scale of the problem is expected to be much larger in reality. The City’s Animal Welfare and Licensing Team are urging residents to report suspicious sellers to Liverpool City Council via its website, or report it to Merseyside Police. More reports and evidence means offenders can be prosecuted.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Street Scene, Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, said:
“Dogs are being treated as commodities, bred for profit with no regard for their wellbeing – it’s animal cruelty plain and simple.
“It undermines legitimate, licensed breeders who follow ethical practices and pay their taxes, and is unfair on unsuspecting members of the public who buy a dog in good faith, and can then encounter a huge amount of problems with their pet in terms of health conditions.
“We are urging residents to be more aware of their rights and the things they should be looking for when purchasing a dog, and in turn, report any activity they think may be suspicious so we can investigate. “Together, we can protect animals and ensure responsible breeding practices across our city.”