§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the current operation of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973; and if he will make a statement; [12402]
(2) what plans he has to issue guidance to local authorities on unlicensed dog breeders and the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973; and if he will make a statement; [12403]
(3) what action he intends to take against unlicensed dog breeders who breach the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973; and if he will make a statement; [12404]
(4) how many representations he has received regarding the Breeding and Sale of Dogs Bill; and how many of those supported the Bill. [12405]
755W
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 and 1991 provide local authorities with wide-ranging powers over dog breeding. They can withhold the granting of a licence to keep a breeding establishment on any grounds, and impose any condition in the licence. Local authority officials and/or veterinary surgeons can inspect licensed premises as often as they wish to check upon the standards of health, welfare and accommodation of dogs.
The Acts give local authorities powers, subject to obtaining a warrant, to inspect all premises where there is a reasonable suspicion that unlicensed breeding is taking place. The Home Office issued guidance to local authorities in 1992 concerning these, and other, powers available to them in the 1973 and 1991 Acts.
Current law provides local authorities with sufficient powers to deal with the problem of unscrupulous dog breeders.
A total of 534 letters have been received about the Breeding and Sale of Dogs Bill. Of this number, 527 have supported the Bill.