I’m in a Licensed Breeder group on Facebook and someone shared that the SSPCA now offer their own Assured Scheme designed for those not meeting Scotland’s (different) licensing threshold to sign up and encourage better standards.

I think this could be game changing in the U.K. as I’ve read so many stories lately about people being convicted of breeding without licenses and puppies sold with congenital issues. These are all home breeders (and in a lot of cases selling the bull breeds for ££££, I guess why they have drawn attention to themselves too).

Apparently the KC is supportive of this and working in conjunction with them, what are your thoughts on lobbying for this in the U.K.?

Have you a link to the scheme details?

Here you go > https://www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk/becoming-a-scottish-spca-assured-puppy-breeder/

Does anyone inspect the assured breeders, or do they have to be already registered with the local council?

Looking at their terms much like the kc assured breeders scheme I don't see how this will stop puppy farming as it allows commercial breeders to join so does nothing to discourage large scale commercial breeding of puppies to sell as long as it's a nicer puppy farm, so it would only be unlicensed commercial breeders or filthy licenced commercial breeders who could not join.

Some only consider the unlicensed or filthy commercial kennels as puppy farms but others consider any commercial breeder a Puppy farm. Schemes like these as long as the promised inspections are carried out would prevent the worse puppy farms joining at least.

Limiting the number of bitches and number of litters a year is where it needs to start at. No health testing,  no licence as well.

It requires a breeder to be licensed in the first place so unless that is improved I cant see the extra advantage

I get from reading it that breeders who do not need a licence can join but if your breedings mean your should be licenced then you have to be licenced to join.

So basically a free version of the kennel clubs assured breeders scheme.

I would of liked to see health testing mentioned for crosses as it's says breeders to abide by recommendations from bfa/kc with regards to using relevant health schemes and has a link to the Abs mandatory and recommended health testing but that only purebreds.

ok Jo maybe I didnt get that part of it .  It still doesn't restrict numbers of bitches being bred from  and health testing should be higher on the list  for everyone .

From what I understand, the purpose of this is more for unlicensed breeders to demonstrate they are meeting good standards of welfare. The group member who shared it has two breeding bitches and is also a KC Assured breeder, but opted to become licensed voluntarily. The SSPCA Scheme inspects and gives buyers assurances that they aren’t dealing with someone who might ‘only’ have one litter but are actually rearing them out the back in a shed. My understanding is that it’s not about authenticating mass commercial breeders, it’s for those under the license threshold to ensure they are putting their dogs first.

> It still doesn't restrict numbers of bitches being bred from  and health testing should be higher on the list  for everyone .

No it doesn't seem to have any restrictions on bitch numbers/litters the breeder has a year other than needing a licence if u fall with in that scope. I think this is what's needed it they want to prevent puppy farms joining.