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.
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 and rabbits 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 in the course of pet breeding.
Explore this section
Four things
As part of Naturewatch Foundation’s pet breeding campaign, we are asking the UK’s governments to do four things:
1. Strengthen legislation
Legislate to ensure that all UK dog breeders, irrespective of the number of litters bred, are registered and traceable. Overhaul dog breeding regulations in Wales and Northern Ireland. Introduce regulations for cat breeders in each UK nation. Introduce measures to protect pets from extreme breeding and crack down on irresponsible use of breeding procedures. Reform veterinary legislation to crack-down on canine fertility clinics.
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 its promises for dogs
Ensure the dog welfare measures promised in the Labour government’s manifesto are passed into law so that puppy smuggling and farming are brought to an, end once and for all.
4. Make life easier for prospective puppy buyers
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.
How you can help
There are lots of ways to help with our work, from making a donation through to holding fundraising events or even getting involved as a volunteer. Below, you can explore the different ways to help us continue raising standards for animals.
Share your story and photos to help us celebrate the powerful bond between people and their animals.
This simple step would reduce harm to wildlife. Help us deliver this message directly to retailers who can make a real difference.
UK wildlife is under threat, yet crimes against it are treated as minor offences. Urgent legal reform is needed.
Join us in telling your local MP why a change in law is vital to protect our wildlife.
Join us in asking the UK Government to finally end animal testing for all everyday household products.
Unethical extreme designer pet trends are pushing cats and kittens to the limit.
Join us in calling for extreme cat breeding to be banned across the UK.
Your support helps us protect wildlife and tackle cruelty. Every donation makes a real impact.
Take part in a way that works for you, whether volunteering, fundraising or donating items, and help create a kinder future for animals.
