CONDITIONS SUBJECT TO WHICH THE DOG BREEDING
LICENCE IS GRANTED
· Foreword- These licence conditions have been created by EHDC and are based on the most current Model Licensing Conditions for Dog Breeding Establishments issued by The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. In some instances, the Conditions imposed may be more rigid than stated in the CIEH guidelines. This is to ensure the highest levels of animal welfare are prescribed. All Conditions must be met in order for a licence to be issued
· The licensee shall ensure a clear written procedure is implemented that enables all staff are confident that the customer is able to meet the requirements of the animals welfare needs, and they are fully aware of their responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Records of this procedure and evidence of it being implemented shall be kept for a minimum of 24 months. For example; how long will the puppy be left alone for? Previous experience of animal ownership
· Pet care leaflets, information sheets or similar written instructions shall be made available to customers free of charge at any time for all breeds of dogs on sale. Leaflets and other written material is to be given to to the customer, free of charge at the time of purchase
1 General
1.1 Dogs must at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as respects construction, size of quarters, number of occupants, exercising facilities, temperature, lighting, ventilation, lighting and cleanliness.
1.2 Dogs kept in domestic premises must have free access to more than one room and every dog must be provided with continual access to a comfortable, dry, draught free, clean and quiet place to rest.
1.3 Crates where used must not be used as permanent housing, and be of sufficient size to allow each dog to be able to stand up and sit down at full height, step forward, turn around, stretch and lie down in a natural position and wag its tail without touching the sides of the crate and to lie down without touching another individual.
NB Bitches with litters should be provided with further space
2 Kennel Construction
2.1 Where kennels are provided, within converted outbuildings, consideration must be given to cleaning, wildlife access, vermin control, natural lighting, heating and ventilation.
2.2a In new establishments, wood must not be used on exposed surfaces of walls, floors, partitions, doors or door frames in the kenneling area or any area the dogs have access to.
2.2b In existing establishments, where wood has been used, it must be smooth and treated to render it impervious.
2.3 All internal surfaces used in the construction of walls, floors, ceilings, partitions, doors and door frames must be durable, smooth and impervious, easily cleaned and disinfected. Kennels must be free from hazards and there must be no projections or rough edges liable to cause injury.
2.4 Sleeping areas of kennels must be insulated so as to prevent extremes of temperatures.
2.5 All exterior wood should be properly treated against wood rot e.g. tantalized. Only non- toxic products shall be used.
3 Security
3.1 The construction must be such that the safety and security of the dog is ensured.
3.2 Fencing material where used must be safe, secure and in good repair.
3.3 Where galvanized welded mesh is used for fencing, kennels or cages, the wire diameter must be not less than 2mm (14 standard wire gauge) excluding any covering and the mesh size must not exceed 5cm (2in)
4 Walls and Partitions
4.1 Walls with which dogs may come into contact must be of smooth impervious materials, capable of being easily cleaned and disinfected.
4.2 Where concrete or other building blocks or bricks are used, they must be sealed so as to be smooth and impervious, and resealed as necessary.
4.3 Junctions between vertical and horizontal sections must be coved. If impractical in existing premises, all joints must be sealed.
4.4 Partition walls between kennels and individual exercise areas must be of solid construction and sufficient height to prevent direct nose to nose contact between dogs.
4.5 Partition construction may be solid from floor to ceiling, but this should not be to the detriment of other welfare considerations such as the dog's outlook, natural lighting, and ventilation. Suitable materials for the construction of partition walls include properly surfaced impervious brick/block constructions, molded plastic, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and pre- formed surface board.
5 Floors and Ceilings
5.1 Flooring throughout the premises must be of a non-slip, urine resistant material. It must be laid in a way and at a fall that avoids the pooling of fluids and liquids. Slatted or wire mesh floors must not be used under any circumstances.
5.2 In new constructions a damp proof membrane must be incorporated.
5.3 Floors must be laid to a minimum fall of 1 in 80 leading to a shallow drainage channel or effectively covered deep drainage channel.
5.4 Communal exercise areas must also have suitable drainage to prevent pooling of liquid.
5.5 Ceilings must be capable of being cleaned and disinfected.
6 Doors
6.1 Kennel doors must be strong enough to resist impact and scratching and must be capable of being effectively secured.
6.2 Where metal bars and frames are used, the diameter must be not less than 2mm (14 standard wire gauge) excluding any covering and the mesh size must not exceed 5cm (2in) to prevent dogs and puppies escaping or becoming entrapped.
6.3 Where metal edging is used, this must not present a risk of injury to dogs or staff.
6.4 Door openings should be constructed such that the passage of water/waste is not impeded, or allowed to accumulate due to inaccessibility.
6.5 All doors must open inwards.
7 Windows
7.1 All windows must be secure in that they do not pose a security risk and must be escape proof for the protection of the dog and the public.
7.2 Where welded mesh is used to secure windows, the wire diameter must be not less than 2mm (14 standard wire gauge) excluding any covering and the mesh size must not exceed 5cm (2in). Reinforced glass, polycarbonate or other impact resistant material may also be used. Where the later is used, consideration must be taken with regards suitable ventilation.
8 Drainage
8.1 Drainage channels must be provided near to the kennel edge so that urine cannot pass over walk areas in corridors or communal access areas. A separate drainage channel may be required in the exercise area.
8.2 All drainage and waste water outlets must meet the requirements under the Environmental Protection Act. It is recommended that advice from the Environment Agency is sought
9 Lighting
9.1 During daylight hours, light must be provided to exercise and sleeping areas so that all parts are clearly visible. Where practical this should be natural light.
9.2 Lighting must be of sufficient standard to enable efficient working both during and after daylight hours.
9.3 Supplementary lighting, adequate to allow inspection, must be provided throughout the establishment.
9.4 Low level night lighting must be used for use after daylight hours throughout the establishment.
10 Ventilation
10.1 Ventilation must be provided to all interior areas without the creation of localized draughts in the sleeping areas.
10.2 Ventilation must be such that free air flow is unobstructed without causing unnecessary loss of heat.
11 Kennel design (size, layout and exercise facilities)
11.1 Kennels must be divided into separate sleeping and activity areas.
11.2 Kennels must be provided with an adequate size of sleeping area, such that dogs can stand, turn around, stretch and lie down in a natural position, with sufficient space for the doors to open fully.
11.2 Kennels must provide suitable space for the maximum number of puppies having regard to the size and breed and litter size.
11.3 Kennels must be suitably constructed to reduce noise emissions and to ensure energy conservation.
11.4 All parts of the kennel must be easily accessible to undertake thorough cleaning by staff.
11.5 Adequate exercise areas must be provided for all kennels. Measurements will depend on th breed and size of dog. Dogs must be able to walk, turn around easily, and wag their tails without touching the kennel sides and lie down without touching another dog.
11.6 Kennels and runs must open out onto secure corridors or other secure area so that dogs are not able to escape from the premises.
11.7 Exercise areas must not be used as sleeping areas.
11.8 Communal exercise areas must not be used as kennel areas. Dogs must have access to clean, fresh water and be sheltered from extreme temperatures and be provided shelter from the rain, wind, snow, ice and direct sunlight etc.
11.9 The exercise of the kennel must be at least partially roofed to provide the dog with sufficient protection against all weather conditions.
12 Beds and Bedding
12.1 The bed must have clean bedding and be large enough for the dog to lie flat n their side.
12.2 All beds must be of durable construction, be sited away from and offer protection from draughts and be of suitable to be easily cleaned and disinfected
12.3 All bedding material must be clean, dry, non-irritant and parasitic free.
12.4 Chewing or destruction of bedding should not result in restricted access; rather alternative materials should be used.
13 Numbers of Dogs Permitted
13.1 The maximum number of dogs to be kept at any one time is to be determined by the Local Authority and shall be stated on the Licence Certificate.
13.2 The number of dogs permitted shall relate to the number and size of the kennels or the space available. The number of dogs will also relate to the maximum likely litter size as well as the effectiveness of site management.
13.3 The number of dogs permitted shall also include any dogs on the premises which are not used for breeding. The maximum number of dogs must not be exceeded.
13.4 Only bitches inspected and approved may be used for the purposes of breeding. Any other bitches on the premises may not be used for the purpose of breeding.
14 Temperatures in Accommodation
14.1 Heating facilities must be available in the kennel and used according to the requirements of the individual dog.
14.2 The sleeping area must be able to be maintained at a comfortable temperature between 10 C- 26 C. Temperature should be relevant to the type and breed of dog. If necessary, heating and/or automatic cooling system should be used to achieve this.
14.3 The materials used on the kennel exterior should offer adequate protection against temperature variations throughout the year.
14.4 Devices used for heating and cooling must be safe and free from risk of burning or electrocution. All electrical items must be kept in safe working order and checked as required by a qualified electrician. Certificate of safety must be obtained as required.
15 Cleanliness
15.1 All kennels, corridors, common areas, kitchens and so on must be kept clean and free from accumulations of dirt and dust so that disease control is maintained.
15.2 The licensee must ensure that a written standard operating procedure is maintained. Evidence of this must be kept.
15.3 Each occupied kennel must be cleaned twice daily as a minimum. Written evidence of cleaning records must be kept for a minimum of 24 months.
15.4 All excreta and soiled material must be removed from all areas used by the dogs as necessary.
15.5 All sleeping areas and bedding must be kept clean and dry.
15.6 Facilities must be provided for the proper reception, storage and disposal of waste.
15.7 Measures must be taken to reduce the risk from rodents, insects and other pests within the breeding establishment.
15.8 Foul waste water must be disposed of by discharge to the appropriate or approved drainage system.
15.9 A written standard operating procedure must be in place. This must include: removal of solids, washing, disinfection, drying, disease control, and staff safety, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and health and safety. Evidence of this being implemented must be kept for a minimum of 24 months.
16 Whelping Facilities
16.1 There must be a separate whelping facility, pen or room for each whelping bitch in which to whelp. There must be direct access to the whelping area for the kennel personnel, without disturbing the general kennel population.
16.2 Increased contact must be made with bitches in this section.
16.3 Bitches should be moved to their whelping accommodation no later than 60 days after mating or sooner if the signs of imminent whelping are shown.
16.4 Each whelping pen must be constructed of cleanable, impervious materials. The area must be cleaned once daily as a minimum. Records of cleaning must be kept for a minimum of 24 months.
16.5 The whelping pen must have a divider to allow the bitch access to an area where she cannot be reached by the puppies.
16.6 Natural lighting must be available at a suitable level.
16.7 There must be a whelping bed raised off the floor and sides high enough to prevent new born puppies from falling out.
16.8 The bed must contain sufficient bedding to ensure a soft surface for the bitch and to enable the absorption of mess resulting from whelping.