The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013

PART I INTRODUCTION

Citation and commencement

1.  These Regulations may be cited as the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 and shall come into operation on 1st April 2013.

Interpretation

2.  In these Regulations—

“the Act” means the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011;

“breeding bitch” means an unneutered female dog which is more than 6 months old;

“breeding establishment” means one or more premises, within the same district council area, operated by the same person from which that person keeps 3 or more breeding bitches; and

(a)

breeds 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period;

(b)

advertises 3 or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12 month period;

(c)

supplies 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period; or

(d)

advertises a business of breeding or selling of puppies;

“charity” has the same meaning as set out in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008(1);

“the Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development;

“the Dogs Order” means the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983(2);

“enrichment and enhancement programme” means a written document approved by an inspector detailing how dogs will have the opportunity to express normal behaviour;

“hunt club” means a hunt club—

(a)

which is registered with a national hunting association that is a member of the Hunting Association of Ireland or registered with the Northern Ireland Masters of Hounds Association;

(b)

that operates in accordance with the guidelines for kennel management issued by the Hunting Association of Ireland; and

(c)

does not sell dogs or pups;

“inspector” means a person appointed by a district council for the purposes of the Act or these Regulations;

“licence” means a licence granted under regulation 5;

“licence conditions” means those conditions specified in Schedule 4 to these Regulations;

“other dog” means a male dog which is more than 6 months old;

“puppy” means a dog which is less than 6 months old; and

“socialization programme” means a written document approved by an inspector detailing how puppies will be socialized before being sold or homed.

Notices

3.—(1) Any notice served under these Regulations shall be in writing and may be amended, suspended or revoked in writing at any time.

(2) Any such notice may be served by—

(a) delivering it to the person;

(b) leaving it at the person’s usual or last known address; or

(c) sending it by post to the person at that address.

(3) If the name or address of any occupier of premises on whom a notice is to be served under these Regulations cannot, after reasonable inquiry, be ascertained, the notice may be served by leaving it conspicuously affixed to a building or object on the premises.

Licensing of a dog breeding establishment

4.—(1) The activity described in paragraph (2) is an activity for the purposes of section 12(1) of the Act.

(2) A person shall not operate a breeding establishment except under the authority of a licence granted under these Regulations.

(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply to—

(a) a hunt club; or

(b) a charity.

(4) A dog found on any premises shall, unless the contrary is shown, be presumed for the purposes of these Regulations to be kept at the premises.

(1)

2008 c. 12

(2)

S.I. 1983/764 (N.I. 8)