Licensing officers in the West Country say they are monitoring an ‘explosion'” in the number of people breeding dogs without a licence and advertising them for sale on social media.
Cornwall Council officers highlighted the issue during a briefing for councillors on animal licensing, Cornwall Live reports.
Sharon Beynon, senior licensing officer, said: “There is a massive explosion in dog breeding out there. We see it on social media all the time.
“People will say that they have only done one litter, but then you will see them back on there at a later date with more.
“We do see people month in, month out advertising massive amounts of puppies.”
She explained that many of the people breeding dogs and then selling them were often unaware that they need a licence. Under current legislation a licence is needed if someone is earning £1,000 or more.
“We are monitoring where we can and will write to people (to tell them they need a licence) and will go to prosecution if necessary,” she said.
According to Cornwall Live, councillors were told that the licensing officers were also aware of ‘puppy farms’ being operated in the county and that all complaints and reports would be investigated.
Sharon said there were currently 30 licenced dog breeders in Cornwall and most had been given a level five rating for the maximum three years.
