Government questioned on introduction of dog licences for dog breeders

A Government minister has been asked to confirm when new dog‑breeding licences might be introduced, following a written parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade.

Slade referenced the Animal Welfare Strategy for England, published in December 2025, and pressed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on whether it intends to publish a timetable for rolling out dog licences for breeders.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Angela Eagle, Minister of State at Defra, pointed to existing rules under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. These regulations already require anyone breeding and selling dogs as a business—or producing three or more litters in a 12‑month period—to hold a valid local‑authority licence.

Eagle reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending puppy farming and low‑welfare breeding practices, describing dog‑breeding reform as a priority within the wider Animal Welfare Strategy. However, she did not provide a timetable for new licensing proposals. Instead, she confirmed that the Government will launch a consultation on dog‑breeding reform, with further details to be announced “in due course.”