03/09/25
Over the summer, the Northern Ireland government ran a public consultation on new rules around the supply of puppies and kittens.
Proposed rules
The government proposes introducing a registration scheme, which would require anyone who sells, transfers or gives away a puppy or kitten in Northern Ireland to register with their local council and to comply with registration conditions. They would also need to appear on a public register, with registration lasting for one year.
The proposed registration conditions include rules that registered sellers can only sell puppies or kittens they have bred themselves, and that puppies and kittens under six months of age must be sold from the registered address and in the presence of their mother. These are safeguards designed to protect animals and buyers from unscrupulous sellers and it is proposed that breaching a registration condition would be an offence, as well as failing to register.
The scheme is part of a range of animal welfare measures proposed by the Northern Ireland government in their recently published Animal Welfare Pathway.
Our response
Naturewatch Foundation responded to the consultation last month. We welcomed the proposals but raised some important concerns about the design and delivery of the proposals, including whether proposed funding arrangements would be adequate, and recommended the inclusion of additional welfare conditions to ensure the scheme will improve dog and cat welfare.
We also stressed the urgent need for dog breeding regulation and enforcement to be improved in Northern Ireland. The standards in the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 are outdated and need to be modernised.
Outdated dog breeding regulations
The Northern Ireland government has appointed an expert panel to review dog breeding regulations and consider whether canine fertility clinics should be regulated in the nation. The appointment of the panel is very welcome, but the government has not made any firm commitments that it will make changes to breeding legislation.
Our Licensed Dog Breeding in the UK and Ireland 2025 report shows that Northern Ireland is home to the largest licensed dog breeding businesses in the UK, with the three biggest establishments keeping 250 dogs, 300 dogs and 350 dogs for breeding, which excludes puppies.
Concerningly, Northern Ireland’s regulations lack some very basic dog welfare safeguards, such as minimum staffing ratios or minimum space requirements. It’s vital that modern, enforceable legislation is introduced that reflects contemporary animal welfare standards and public expectations.
Naturewatch Foundation will continue to campaign for meaningful change for dogs across the UK and will share updates with you as the situation in Northern Ireland develops.
Read more about our work to tackle the illicit pet trade here.
