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<p>This Government takes the issue of low-welfare and illegal supply of animals very
seriously. Significant steps have already been taken to improve and update the laws
on dog breeding in England to crack down on unscrupulous breeders who breed dogs purely
for financial greed at the expense of animal welfare.</p><p>Where the commercial breeding
of dogs is concerned, animals are protected by the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities
Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (the 2018 Regulations). Under the 2018
Regulations no dog may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the
basis of its genotype, phenotype or state of health that breeding from it could have
a detrimental effect on its health or welfare or the health or welfare of its offspring,
and would include suffering from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.</p><p>In
addition, my department maintains Petfished, a public communications campaign, to
raise awareness of issues associated with the low-welfare and illegal supply of pets.
This includes guidance on ensuring that a dog's physical appearance has minimal adverse
impact their physical well-being and welfare.</p><p>More broadly, where an animal
is subject to inappropriate breeding practices, whether for commercial activity or
not, their welfare may suffer. To combat this all animals are protected under the
Animal Welfare Act 2006. The 2006 Act requires those in charge of animals to protect
them from harm and to ensure they have five key welfare needs provided for. Those
in charge of animals who fail to protect them from harm, or fail to provide for their
welfare needs may be prosecuted and face penalties including a custodial sentence
or an unlimited fine, or both.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>
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