Just siting here musing the new The Animal Welfare Law which comes into force on 1st October 2108.

Just a couple of points which have jumped out at me:

6.5 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.

I'm guessing at the moment as mentioned in Our Dogs "New welfare laws could be monumental" (June 15th, 2018) We all assume this means the extremes such as the brachycephalic breeds, but just what if we, as Irish Wolfhound breeders, knowingly breed using a hound who has heart disease? Just putting it out there for us all to ponder!

The next little gem is:

1. Business test The circumstances which a local authority must take into account in determining whether an activity is being carried on in the course of a business for the purposes of this Schedule include, for example, whether the operator— a. makes any sale by, or otherwise carries on, the activity with a view to making a profit, or b. earns any commission or fee from the activity.

Again the new law is looking for those who breed more than three litters, I would assume in any rolling 12 month period that you will be required to be licensed. However the Business test seems to be a caveat, so keep and file all your receipts and everything you do regarding your dogs; otherwise, if you make a profit, will you be considered a business and require a license even with under three litters.

In addition, breeders won't be able to advertise without producing a copy of their license? Interesting times for breeders, let's see where and how this helps animals, and fingers crossed it does.

Oh well off to read some more and work out the Yes Prime Minsterisms:

*"James Hacker: Are you telling me the Foreign Office is keeping something from me?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

James Hacker: Well, what?

Bernard Woolley: I don't know; they're keeping it from me too.

James Hacker: How do you know?

Bernard Woolley: I don't know.

James Hacker: You just said that the Foreign Office was keeping something from me. How do you know if you don't know?

Bernard Woolley: I don't know specifically what, Prime Minister, but I do know the Foreign Office always keep everything from everybody. It's normal practice."*

Yes, Prime Minster 1986

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018