Frequently asked questions about dog breeding

We issue dog breeding licences in accordance with the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014.

14 licences are currently in force in 2024 (as at May 2024):

• 4: 1-5 breeding bitches within the home
• 2 : 6-10 breeding bitches within the home
• 8: Outside kennels

2023: 17 licences issued
2022: 22 licences issued
2021: 24 licences issued

What terms require a breeder to have a breeding licence within your local authority (eg if they breed over a specific number of litters)?

We use The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 - Dog breeding: interpretation 5.-(1) A person carries on the activity of dog breeding for the purposes of section 13(1) of the Act if that person keeps on premises 3 or more breeding bitches and:

• breeds on those premises 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period;
• advertises for sale from those premises a puppy or puppies born from 3 or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12 month period;
• supplies from those premises a puppy or puppies born from 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period; or
• advertises a business of breeding or selling puppies from those premises.

How frequently do they need to renew their licence?

The licences need to be renewed annually.

Have you revoked any breeder licences?

2024: No
2023: No
2022: No
2021: No
2020: No

How many dog breeding establishment licences applications were denied, on an annual basis from 2010 - 2024?

None.

What happens if a member of the public has a concern about a licenced dog breeder?

If you are concerned about the practices of a licenced dog breeder or the conditions that the dog are being kept in then please contact evh.licensing@swansea.gov.uk giving as much detail as possible of your concern. An officer will contact you and if necessary, clarify any additional points. 

A licence will not be issued if someone has any convictions relating to any animal welfare offences.

More information: Dog breeders