North Devon dog breeder becomes first to be hit with huge fine for breaking rules

A North Devon-based dog breeder has become the first to be hit with a £5,000 fine for breaking the rules under animal welfare legislation.

North Devon Council has said it has served its first fixed penalty notice to a licensed dog breeding establishment in the district after it was found to be guilty of a ‘significant condition breach’.

The breeder and their business have not been named but the council said the premises which received the notice on January 7 is no longer trading.

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It has reminded all dog breeders they can only operate with a license and must comply with the required conditions.

The Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022 allows councils to issue fines of up to £5,000 for certain animal welfare and animal health offences, including condition breaches.

Penalty notices can also be used to tackle unlicensed activities and poor welfare standards in home boarding establishments, kennels, riding establishments, catteries, pet shops and exhibiting animals. Serious animal welfare offences are more likely to result in prosecution.

Among other criteria, dog breeders require a licence if they earn £1,000 or more from the activity over 12 months. The legislation is designed to ensure that anyone carrying out an activity requiring a licence meets strict welfare standards.

Chair of the council’s licensing and community safety committee, Councillor Louisa York said: “These new powers allow us to take proportionate action where significant breaches occur, while continuing to support responsible, licensed businesses.

“Our priority is always animal welfare and we encourage residents to use licensed animal establishments which are subject to inspection and oversight.”

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The council has said anyone looking to buy a puppy or kitten, or use a home boarder, dog day care, or other animal-related services should first check the business is licensed.

If there is any doubt whether a licence is required for breeding or an animal-related business, residents are advised to contact the council’s licensing team, which works with businesses and individuals to ensure they are correctly licensed.

It said those refusing to engage and apply for a licence may be investigated and could face a significant fine or prosecution.

The council added that it wishes to reassure the public that fixed penalty notices are not a revenue-raising measure - only costs can be recovered, with any remaining funds paid into the Government’s Consolidated Fund.

Licensed businesses can be found on the council’s public register at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/animal-licences/public-information