Anyone who operates as a Dog Breeding Establishment must have a licence from Council.  This is so that Council can regulate breeders to ensure the welfare and socialisation needs of the dogs are met.  Breeding Establishments are subject to annual inspections by Council officers.

As part of The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 anyone who owns three or more breeding bitches or intends to breed more than three litters of puppies a year for sale must apply to us for a dog breeding establishment licence.  A breeding establishment is defined as one or more premises, within the same area, operated by the same person and from which that person keeps three or more breeding bitches, and:

• breeds three or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period
   
• advertises three or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12 month period
   
• supplies three or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period, or
   
• advertises a business of breeding or selling of puppies.

We regulate dog breeding establishments within Causeway Coast and Glens Council to make sure that they meet minimum standards of accommodation, environment, mating, whelping, behaviour, socialising and health.  If you are planning to operate a dog breeding establishment within the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area you must apply to us for a licence.  Download licence application form. 

There are different fees for each breeding establishment depending on the number of bitches kept there

Other Relevant Iformation

Hobby breeders who do not sell more than 2 litters per year do not require a breeding establishment licence.

The Irish and English Kennel Clubs require relevant breeders to have a breeding establishment licence or registration will be refused.