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Welcome to a comprehensive guide on responsible breeding, where we shine a spotlight on the integral practices of Kennel Club Assured Breeders and Council Breeding Licences. Join us on this journey as we uncover the significance of these standards, not only for breeders but, more importantly, for the well-being of our beloved canine companions. So, let's delve into the practices that contribute to the happiness and health of our furry friends.
Kennel Club Assured Breeders: Setting the Standard
The Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme stands as the gold standard of responsible breeding. This exclusive program places a laser focus on upholding high welfare standards, ensuring that the puppies produced under its umbrella have the best shot at a healthy and happy life.
Criteria for Assured Breeders
To join this esteemed club, breeders must adhere to stringent criteria. This includes health testing for breeding dogs, thorough inspections of their facilities, and accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). This robust process ensures that the scheme remains both robust and impartial, maintaining its reputation as a hallmark of responsible breeding.
Importance of the Scheme
Why does the Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme matter? Simple – it helps responsible breeders shine amidst the crowd. With an oversaturation of breeders in the market, this scheme acts as a beacon, signaling to puppy buyers that the breeder has been inspected and monitored by the Kennel Club. It's a mark of quality, providing much-needed reassurance to those on the lookout for their furry family members.
Essentials of the Scheme
What does it take to be an Assured Breeder? The standards set by the Kennel Club include a commitment to high welfare, compliance with relevant laws, and providing a safe and secure environment for raising puppies. This isn't just about breeding; it's about creating an atmosphere where dogs thrive and grow into healthy, happy companions.
Health and Welfare Requirements
One of the keystones of the scheme is the emphasis on breeding from health-screened dogs. The Kennel Club requires breeders to record relevant health test results on their database, ensuring transparency and accountability. For breed-specific guidelines, the scheme provides a comprehensive list of health and welfare recommendations to further promote the well-being of the animals.
Breeder Assessments
Curious about how Assured Breeders are monitored? The breeder assessment process involves assessments before acceptance, routine inspections every three years, and random visits. This regular monitoring ensures that breeders on the scheme continually meet and exceed the high standards set by the Kennel Club, providing ongoing assurance to prospective puppy buyers.
Council Licensed Breeders: Meeting Regulatory Standards
Now, let's shift our focus to Council Licensed Breeders, exploring the regulatory landscape and understanding why maintaining both a Kennel Club Assured Breeder status and a Council Licence is crucial for a comprehensive breeding approach.
Overview of Regulations
In October 2018, the Government introduced new regulations for dog breeding, marking a significant shift in the breeding landscape. The most notable change was the reduction in the litter threshold for requiring a dog breeding licence. Now, anyone breeding three or more litters and selling at least one puppy in a 12-month period must obtain a licence from their local authority.
Reduced Litter Threshold and Business Test
The new regulations also introduced the business test, which mandates licensing for those breeding one or two litters if they are deemed to be 'breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs.' This nuanced approach aims to identify and regulate breeders engaged in breeding practices more than occasional or hobbyist breeding.
Additional Measures for Responsible Breeding
To further assist puppy buyers in identifying good breeders and to ensure responsible breeding, additional measures were implemented. These include a 5-star rating system, a risk rating to determine a breeder's level of responsibility, and guidance on the minimum welfare standards that all licensed breeders must meet. These measures collectively contribute to improving breeding practices and protecting the welfare of dogs.
Why Both Are Essential: A Comprehensive Approach
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – why both a Kennel Club Assured Breeder status and a Council Licence? The answer lies in creating a well-rounded breeding approach. The Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme places a strong emphasis on high welfare standards, health testing, and regular assessments, ensuring that breeders go above and beyond to produce healthy and well-socialized puppies.
Council Licensing adds a layer of regulatory compliance. It ensures that breeders meet minimum standards set by local authorities, contributing to the overall health and welfare of dogs. By maintaining both, breeders send a powerful message of commitment to responsible breeding practices, providing additional reassurance to prospective puppy buyers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, responsible breeding goes hand in hand with both the Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme and Council Licensing. The benefits are clear – a focus on health, welfare, and regulatory compliance. As breeders, embracing both programs enhances your commitment to the well-being of dogs and aligns with evolving regulatory standards.
Take Action!
We encourage breeders to explore both the Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme and Council Licences to elevate their responsible breeding practices. Together, we can contribute to a breeding landscape where every puppy finds a loving and caring forever home. Stay tuned for more insights and guidance on responsible breeding from Trusted Pups!