Holyrood in talks on new laws covering pet breeding

New rules on breeding animals for pets may be a good idea – but it could be legislation that is difficult to enforce without“robust”funding and a clearer idea of how big a business it is.

The Scottish Government is planning to license the breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits and is consulting with councils. The proposals would mean local councils would not only have to issue licenses, but also inspect premises and check to ensure that breeders were“fit and proper”.

The plans would tighten up controls and clamp down on puppy farming, where animals can suffer from genetic illness and are often kept in poor conditions.

While there are records of dog breeders, there is nothing to identify how many breeders of other pets there might be in West Lothian or across Scotland. Officials told councillors on West Lothian’s Executive that“robust and effective” funding would be needed to make any licensing programme work.

The report added:“Fees will not cover the work required to deal with an influx of enquiries from breeders and/or the general public.”