Breeding and Sales of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999

It is recommended that you read the full provisions of this Act before making a licence application. Copies of the Act can be obtained from any of Her Majesty's Stationery Offices (HMSO). Alternatively, a copy of the Act can be viewed at all council offices. If you require further assistance to understand the requirements of the Act please contact the licensing section.

For the purpose of this Act a person keeps a breeding establishment for dogs at any premises if he/she carries on at those premises a business of breeding dogs for sale. A person whose bitch or bitches give birth to five or more litters in any 12 month period is presumed to be carrying on a dog breeding business. A decision as to whether a breeder with bitches producing fewer than five litters a year needs to be licensed will depend on whether the breeder concerned is carrying on a business; that can only be determined by the local authority on the facts of the case. For further information read the Notice to Keepers of Dog Breeding Establishments.

How to apply

To apply for a Dog Breeding Licence you must complete and return an application form with the appropriate fee to the Council Offices.

Application forms can be obtained by selecting the links below:

Select to download a PDF application form or Select to download a Word application form

Or, an application form can be obtained from the licensing section of Ashfield District Council.

What happens next?

Once your application has been accepted and the fee has been paid, the Licensing Section will arange for an inspection to be carried out by the Environmental Health Officer. Once the inspection has been carried out and any works required completed, the licence will be granted.

We look forward to receiving your application and if you have any difficulty with any of the forms or have any questions, please contact the licensing section.

Please contact us if you require any further information.

Appeals

Any person aggrieved by a local authority refusing to grant a licence, or by any conditions to be satisfied before a licence is granted, may appeal through the Magistrates Court. On appeal the court may request the issue of a licence or alter/withdraw licence conditions.