A dog breeding licence may be required if you wish to carry out the business of breeding dogs for sale.
What is a dog breeding licence?
A breeding establishment is where five or more litters are born, to one or more bitches, for the purpose of sale, in the period of one year. A licence is necessary to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, for the interests of animal welfare and consumer protection. Licences to breed dogs for sale are issued under the Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 & 1991 and are renewable annually. The council will arrange for the premises to be inspected by a veterinary surgeon to ensure accommodation is suitable for welfare of animals. The licence will be issued subject to compliance with licence conditions and payment of the licence fee.
Who can apply?
Any fit and proper person who is not disqualified from keeping animals.
What is the cost of a licence?
Please visit
How do I apply?
How long does a licence last?
Licences run from 1 January to 31 December (or for the remainder of the year in which it was granted) in any one year. There is no reduction in the fee for part year licensing.
Will tacit authorisation apply?
Yes, you should expect that the council will determine this application within 28 days from the date on which it receives your application.
The clock starts when the completed application is submitted along with all the required information and documents requested, including fee. If the local authority spots an error or omission in the application, it can be placed on hold and the clock starts from the beginning when the applicant either supplies a correction or all the information requested.
If your application can not be determined because the council needs more information, you will be notified, and the clock will stop until the outstanding information is supplied.
If the council has received objections to the application which means that it will have to be referred to a licensing panel, you will be notified in writing. The period will then be extended to the date on which your application is determined at hearing, and you will be notified of the outcome of the hearing not later than 10 working days after the day of the hearing.
What if my application is refused?
You may appeal to the local Magistrates' court.
Contact details
Licensing Services
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
West Suffolk House
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3YU
Phone: 01284 757103
Email: licensing@stedsbc.gov.uk
