Existing laws designed to protect dogs from harmful breeding practices are not being used to their full potential, according to a new report from Naturewatch Foundation and researchers at the University of Exeter.
The report examined how local authorities in England and Scotland apply breeding licence conditions intended to prevent dogs with inherited health problems or extreme physical features from being bred. Researchers concluded that while the legislation is in place, enforcement appears to be inconsistent and recorded findings of non-compliance are rare.
About the report
The report, Protecting Dogs from Genetic and Conformational Suffering: Are We Using the Legal Rules Effectively?, analysed information gathered through Freedom of Information requests sent to local authorities, alongside existing legislation and licensing practices.
It found there were around 2,390 licensed dog breeders operating across England and Scotland during the second half of 2025. Between October 2018 and August 2025, local authorities in England reported 31 instances of non-compliance with the relevant breeding licence condition. These resulted in 17 licence refusals, six licence variations, two suspensions, two prosecutions and two convictions. No equivalent cases of non-compliance were reported in Scotland during the period studied.
What does the law say?
In England, the Licensing of Activities Involving Animals Regulations require that dogs must not be kept for breeding where it can reasonably be expected that breeding from them would have a detrimental effect on their own health or welfare, or that of their offspring, taking into account factors such as their genetics, physical characteristics and overall health.
The report argues that these legal protections have the potential to improve dog welfare but are not always being applied consistently. Researchers recommend clearer statutory guidance, improved training for licensing officers and greater support for local authorities carrying out breeder inspections.
What is extreme conformation?
Extreme conformation describes physical characteristics that have been exaggerated through selective breeding and which may affect a dog’s health or welfare.
Examples can include extremely short muzzles that affect breathing, excessive skin folds that lead to chronic skin disease, protruding eyes that are vulnerable to injury, or inherited conditions that increase the risk of pain and reduced quality of life.
The report highlights the importance of considering both inherited health conditions and physical characteristics when making breeding decisions.
What this means
The report does not recommend creating new breeding laws. Instead, it concludes that existing legislation could do more to protect dogs if it were applied more consistently.
Researchers hope the findings will help improve guidance for inspectors, support local authorities and contribute to future policy development aimed at improving the health and welfare of dogs.
What this means for prospective puppy guardians
Choosing a responsible breeder remains one of the best ways to support healthier generations of dogs.
Prospective owners should look for breeders who prioritise health testing, are open about inherited conditions and place welfare ahead of appearance when planning litters.
Learn more about responsible dog breeding
Understanding how breeding decisions affect a dog’s long-term health can help prospective owners make informed choices. The Naturewatch Foundation report explores how existing breeding laws are being applied and why researchers believe stronger enforcement could improve dog welfare.
You can read the full report, Protecting Dogs from Genetic and Conformational Suffering: Are We Using the Legal Rules Effectively?, on the Naturewatch Foundation website.
The Royal Kennel Club has launched a new Breeding for Health Framework, a science-led initiative aimed at improving the health of pedigree dogs across the UK.
FAQs
What is extreme conformation in dogs?
Extreme conformation refers to physical features that have been exaggerated through selective breeding and which may negatively affect a dog’s health, welfare or quality of life.
Does the report call for new dog breeding laws?
No. The report concludes that existing legislation could be used more effectively through clearer guidance, better training and more consistent enforcement.
How many prosecutions did the report identify?
Researchers found evidence of two prosecutions and two convictions in England relating to the relevant breeding licence conditions between 2018 and 2025.
Why is responsible breeding important?
Responsible breeding helps reduce the risk of inherited disease and welfare problems by prioritising health, temperament and genetic diversity over exaggerated physical characteristics.
Who produced the report?
The report was produced by Naturewatch Foundation and researchers from the University of Exeter, in association with the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (LAGECDogs) and the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW).
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