Here is the report of the Task and Finish group on dog breeding.  It will go to consultation during which time changes are likely to be made.  However I sincerely hope that the Minister Elin Jones does not make any changes and this report becomes the basis for dog breeding in Wales.  It does address many issues relating to commercial dog breeding (puppy farming) that I and others have been asking for such as permanant ID for all breeding dogs and all puppies before sale.  Staff levels per ratio of dogs kept.  A log book for each breeding dog and much more. http://cymru.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/animalwelfare/pets/breedingofdogs/?lang=en

   

To make it simple here is another link http://new.wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2010/4266303/;jsessionid=yTmTM11MCnsTLxL2YyT33G41Hw1qGnGQ71sn2dYv2BxkrvQ8wGfx!-2005468515?lang=en&status=closed%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525253Bjsessionid

I find it really odd, I posted the above link yesterday evening and to date no one has even bothered to view it let alone respond to it (unless of course this board does not have so many followers as thought).  This report is the biggest shake up for dog breeders in Wales, (including hobby breeders if they breed 3 litters in a 12 month period) but it is aimed for the large commercial breeders (puppy farmers) and back yard breeders if they breed 3 litters as above. Perhaps I am biased due to my passion campaigning against puppy farming, dealers and pet shops.  But every caring person has concerns about breeding bitches, over breeding and excessive numbers of puppies being bred I would have thought someone would have thought this proposal was worth reading about and commenting on.  Maybe it has something to do with the lovely weather everyone outside and not sittting over a computer, very wise, maybe time will tell when we get a heavy downpour of rain.

I just hope it comes into force ASAP

I viewed the link but couldn't find the meat and potaoes part, i.e. details.  As they say the Devil is in the detail.

Sounds a good idea in theory. Just wondered how they'd end up policing this? Would they have people in the councils doing checks all the time, as in dedicated people. There are so many puppy farms in Wales that it would need a separate task force on this.

Something does need to be done and at least they are talking about it, putting it down on paper and then we'll see. Fingers crossed eh?

Evidence submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government in research undertaken by local authorities, representations from many welfare bodies and several television programmes, all identified room for improvement for animal welfare in existing dog breeding licensing conditions.

That's a huge understatement isn't it? :-(  I really hope these changes do go through.

The rules in force already are not enforced this is why there is already a problem, so I find it difficult not to be cynical about any new rules from any government.   IMO these new rules might well be brought to bear on responsible breeders but those well used to the system and backyard breeders will find very little change or inconvenience :( :(