What we're doing
The animals we share our homes with give us so much; it’s only right that we treat them with dignity and respect. And that we do everything we can to stop those who don’t.
We’re here to put an end to puppy farming and illegal pet breeding
Unscrupulous breeders are constantly changing their tactics, all so they can exploit dogs, cats rabbits – and the public – for money. That’s why it’s so important to stay one step ahead.
To stop illegal pet breeders and sellers, we need to:
- Be informed
- Identify and stop criminals
- Make sure our law works for dogs, cats and rabbits
- Work together
- Help people make the right choices
Our work is focused on achieving all of these things. We educate, investigate, campaign and collaborate with others to bring an end to the exploitation of animals by the pet trade.
Explore this section
We are asking the UK's goverments to do four things
1. Strengthen legislation
Legislate to ensure that all UK dog breeders, irrespective of the number of litters bred, are either registered or licensed to improve traceability.
Overhaul dog breeding regulations in Wales and Northern Ireland, which currently have the weakest protections. Introduce regulations for cat breeders in each UK nation.
Enact stronger measures to protect pets from extreme breeding and crack down on irresponsible use of assisted breeding procedures.
2. Make microchipping work
Work to deliver a single point of access to all dog microchipping databases that is accessible to vets, the police and local authorities.
All owners should legally be required to update transfer details, the breeder’s details should be registered when the microchip is implanted into puppies, and vets should scan all microchips on initial visits.
3. Keep promises for dogs
Ensure the dog welfare measures promised in the UK's governments manifesto are passed into law so that puppy farming is brought to an end once and for all.
The UK Government has said it will end puppy farming and the low welfare breeding of dogs, including launching a public consultation about dog breeding in England.
The Welsh Government was elected on a manifesto promise to promote responsible pet ownership and breeding.
The Northern Ireland Executive has committed to “put in place robust and cohesive legislation to complement and enhance existing laws and deter those who seek to exploit animals through illegal breeding, selling or the supply of pet services.”
4. Help the public do the right thing
Ensure local councils publish on their website information about licensed dog breeders and pet sellers in their area.
This would help unify several hundred local councils with one common approach and ensure that members of the public can check breeders’ and sellers’ credentials when they’re researching buying a dog, cat or rabbit.
Prospective puppy buyers can use our Dog Breeding Map of the UK & Ireland in the meantime.
Our campaigns and projects
End Puppy Farming
We’re determined to stop the illegal and low-welfare breeding of dogs by illicit puppy farmers and backyard breeders. And we’re taking action on all fronts.
This includes:
- Educating the public and helping them to make welfare-focused choices.
- Investigating illegal breeding.
- Advocating for stronger legal protections across the whole of the UK.
Visit our dedicated End Puppy Farming page to find out more.
Canine fertility clinics
There’s been an explosion in ‘canine fertility clinics’ since 2019 and there’s now at least several hundred all across the UK. Most of them don’t involve vets at all and they exist to help people breed designer dogs who cannot mate or give birth themselves – usually because they’re the victims of poor health caused by overbreeding.
We’ve been campaigning and investigating behind the scenes to stop backstreet breeding clinics exploiting dogs since 2021. Learn more about our campaign on our dedicated page.
Stop Greed Breeding campaign
We’re determined to end the illegal breeding and selling of dogs, cats and rabbits in the UK. Illegal breeders have been able to get away with exploiting pets for profit for far too long.
As part of our #StopGreedBreeding campaign, we’ve been calling on policy-makers across the UK to:
1. Regulate cat breeding
2. Protect all dogs used for breeding
3. End cruel and exploitative dog breeding practices
We also want retailers to stop selling rabbits and other small animals in shops, and for local councils to properly enforce licensing laws.
Get involved in our campaign and download our Stop Greed Breeding action pack today.
Request a noticeboard poster
You can also help raise awareness of our investigations hotline in your local community with one of our noticeboard posters – perfect for libraries, community centres, your local supermarket and more. Request one today by emailing info@naturewatch.org
