The EFRA Report on Dog Control and Welfare recommended that the local authority licensing requirements should be reduced to no more than two litters per year. It also stated that ‘too many dogs continue to suffer ill-health due to inbreeding and breeding for exaggerated characteristics. The Kennel Club must do far more to use its influence with the pedigree dog community, including refusing to register puppies from breeders not compliant with its Assured Breeders Scheme. The Kennel Club should also commission an independent annual review of breed standards led by vets. ‘…..Defra has been insufficiently proactive in tackling dog welfare issues related to breeding practices………..Defra should give the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding a regulatory role in enforcing standards………breed specific strategies are needed to improve the health of breeds.’
