Just got the latest KC press release. They have achieved the UKAS accreditation for their Assured Breeders scheme. One UKAS requirement is from now on that no new breeders will be allowed to join the AB unless they have been inspected FIRST, and all existing members will be inspected within 3 years.

...which would be great if what they were inspecting for actually was worth inspecting for.  But seeing they will approve large scale breeders, mass producing puppies, who meet all the tick-box requirements, it's not a scheme I'm interested in belonging to.  We just left it...

> But seeing they will approve large scale breeders,

Commercial breeding of dogs is perfectly legal (unfortunately from my perspective). 

If a more commercial breeder can really meet the ABS requirements then surely it is better that these are allowed to continue in preference to the perfectly legal Licensed puppy farms whose conditions meet no sort of standard (supposedly they pass muster with the LA and their vets).

I cannot see how a very large scale breeder could pass the ABS standards purely from a manpower point of view.

There are breeders that breed quite a lot of litters (5 or more to need a License) and it is a commercial activity, usually part of another activity like Boarding kennels, Pet supplies.

Personally I can't see how anyone who could met all the ABS standards could make a living from puppies alone.  The reason puppy farmers do is the corner cutting, lack of staffing and decent hygiene, accommodation, and huge numbers etc.

We aren't talking of breeders that breed 5 or 10 litters a year (that just might with a whole family, staff etc involved) meet the ABS standards, but 50 - 200!

I know of one well known person in dogs, who has Boarding and Quarantine kennels, handles Import and Export, breeds two rare breeds plus GSD's primarily for Police and Prison service, and Working Trials.  I don't think they breed many litters, but because of their other commercial activities, I would expect they are highly likely to have a breeding License.  Remember an LA can require one even if there are fewer than 5 litters bred, if they think it is a commercial activity.

If a more commercial breeder can really meet the ABS requirements then surely it is better that these are allowed to continue in preference to the perfectly legal Licensed puppy farms whose conditions meet no sort of standard (supposedly they pass muster with the LA and their vets).

I agree -at least they have to have some standards and health testing in place, AND be inspected. It's not how I ever would wish to breed, but it may actually be far better than the BYB with one ill thought out litter in their living room from their pet bitch and next door's dog, where they have done no health testing, not been inspected, and really have no idea what they are doing other than trying to make a quick buck.

The latest Kennel Gazette is available her http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4840