TWO people have been arrested following an investigation into illegal dog breeding in County Durham and Darlington.

A man and a woman were arrested in the Firthmoor area of Darlington last week on suspicion of money laundering, breeding without a licence, and fraud by false representation.

The pair have been interviewed and were released under investigation to allow further enquiries to take place. 

The arrests follow a joint investigation, led by Durham County Council’s trading standards team with support from Durham Constabulary.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection services, said: “We are working with our partners to continue to tackle illegal dog breeding across the county and raise awareness of the issue.

“It is really important that people know more about who they are buying a dog from. Choosing a responsible, licensed breeder will increase your chances of owning a happy, healthy dog. I would therefore encourage everyone to be well-informed before agreeing to buy a puppy, or consider rehoming a dog via a charity to give them a loving home.”

Sergeant James Woodcock, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “It has become apparent that organised crime and criminals are using dog breeding to generate wealth and to support other illegal activities.

“Breeding without a licence not only raises issues with the welfare of the animal, but the lack of regulation can also fund dog theft as new animals are needed to keep up with the demand.

“I urge the people of Darlington to research where they are purchasing animals and to follow guidance from the RSPCA and other animal rehoming charities.”

What is the law on dog breeding? 

An animal activities licence is required for anyone who keeps a breeding establishment (including private dwellings) for dogs which meets the following conditions:

• If in a 12-month period their dogs give birth to three litters or more, regardless of whether they are in the business of breeding and selling dogs.

• Anyone “in the business” of breeding and selling dogs needs to be licenced regardless of the number of litters they have in a 12-month period. A licence is also required for someone selling puppies as a business, no matter how many litters they have a year. The business test is earnings above £1,000 where they are clearly advertising puppies for sale (either themselves of via proxy sellers).

 

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