New legislation which will come into effect on the 1st of October this year heralds a potential break-through in tackling genetic welfare problems in dogs. Designed to offer greater protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease, the regulations, which refer to licenced breeders (businesses that breeds and sells dogs, or anyone who breeds 5 or more litters a year and sell any of the puppies) state “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 or welfare of its offspring.”
The new law The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 has been prompted by the increasing popularity of “short-faced” dogs, such as English bulldogs and pugs.