10/04/25
A major new investigation by Naturewatch Foundation has found that an estimated 80% of dogs and puppies in the UK still come from unknown sources – including unlicensed breeders, illegal puppy farms and puppy smuggling operations. This means that most people buying a puppy have no real idea where their new pet is coming from.
What we discovered about the UK’s puppy trade
At the end of last year, we sent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 391 councils across the UK and Ireland to update our Dog Breeding Map – a unique tool designed to help you find out more about dog breeding in your area.
Here’s what we found:
- There are 2,897 licensed breeders across the UK and Ireland.
- Licensed breeders collectively keep around 26,000 female adult dogs for breeding – with just over 23,000 in the UK.
- With around one million dogs and puppies entering UK households each year, we estimate that only 14.6-19.5% come from licensed breeders.
- Around 5.8% of UK dog and pups are imported commercially, leaving the rest – a concerning 75-80% – coming from unlicensed, illegal or otherwise unknown sources.
That’s a huge number of dogs being bred in the shadows. Of course, some will be being bred by low-volume breeders who don’t need a licence because they don’t meet the legal threshold. But we also know that many will be being bred by illicit puppy farmers and backyard breeders who are deliberately flouting the law so they can exploit dogs for profit.
What you can do to help
The best way to ensure you aren’t supporting unethical breeding is to adopt from a reputable rescue if you’re thinking about getting a dog. There are thousands of amazing rescue dogs and puppies waiting for homes, so why not give one a second chance? Find your nearest rescue on the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes website.
If you’re set on buying a puppy, though, make sure you do your homework. Here’s what to check:
- Is the breeder licensed? If not, ask why – some UK dog breeding regulations are stricter than you might think.
- How many dogs are they allowed to keep for breeding?
- Can you visit their premises and meet the puppies’ parents?
- Do they provide full health records and proof of vaccinations?
Use our Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland during your research to find out more about dog breeding near you to help you make an informed decision.
The lack of transparency in dog breeding
One of the most worrying findings from our investigation was that only 34% of councils could confirm exactly how many dogs the breeders they’d licensed were permitted to keep. Many councils had little to no record of male breeding dogs and ‘other’ dogs (such as retired breeding dogs and pets). Plus, the way councils record litters of puppies varied considerably.
While most licensed breeders are registered to keep fewer than ten adult breeding dogs, some operate on an industrial scale. In Northern Ireland, one premises alone is licensed for 250 female breeding dogs and 100 males – that’s a staggering 350 dogs used solely for breeding at one establishment.
It’s time for change
Naturewatch Foundation is calling for:
- Stronger breeding regulations across the UK and Ireland with greater consistency in standards and local authority monitoring.
- Greater transparency in licensing with all councils publishing licensing registers.
- Tougher enforcement to protect breeding dogs, their puppies and the public from illegal breeders.
We’ve sent our findings far and wide to officials, local authorities and animal welfare organisations, but we need your help, too. If you suspect illegal breeding, don’t stay silent. Report it to your local council or get in touch with Naturewatch Foundation’s Hotline4Pets.
Let’s give every dog the happy start they deserve
Dogs are family. They deserve love, care and the best start in life. Whether it’s choosing adoption, researching breeders thoroughly or reporting illegal activity, you can help create a better future for dogs across the UK and Ireland. Let’s work together to end cruel breeding practices and make sure every dog gets the love they deserve.
Check out the Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland here. Find out more about our work to end illegal pet breeding and selling here.
