DOZENS of breeding dogs are being kept across Herefordshire, it has been revealed.

A freedom of information request has revealed the number of registered dog breeding businesses in Herefordshire, the number of dogs they keep, and the complaints made against them.

Herefordshire Council said 14 dog breeding businesses with 10 or less dogs for breeding purposes are currently licensed in the county, while two businesses are licensed to keep 11 to 25 dogs for breeding purposes.

One business in the county is currently licensed to keep more than 26 dogs for breeding purposes, with the total number of dogs registered to all breeders coming to 123.

The highest number of dogs registered on a single valid dog breeding licence revealed to be 28, which Herefordshire Council's website reveals belong to Mr Barclay Julian Rogers, while second place goes to Winston and Sarah Rogers, with 18.

A further freedom of information release revealed that there were 16 licensed breeders in the county at the end of 2023, with three new licence applications received and two approved that year.

Five inspections were carried out in 2023, Herefordshire Council said, with two licence renewal applications received and approved, and no licences revoked.

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The information also revealed that one complaint was made about a licensed breeder in the county in 2023, with a breeder reported for advertising puppies for sale in another county. 

An investigation revealed that the breeder had moved out of the county, and a licence was obtained from the relevant local authority and the Herefordshire Council licence surrendered.

What is a dog breeding licence?

Dog breeding licences are essential if you breed and sell dogs in the course of a business.

Herefordshire Council said this is not restricted to registered businesses but also applies to individuals who are breeding dogs and advertising them for sale.

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Applicants will be visited by a member of the licensing team, sometimes accompanied by a vet, for an inspection which will determine the length of the licence and star rating.

It considers whether or not the business is considered to be high or low risk and the levels of compliance found during the inspection of the premises, Herefordshire Council said.

If a business implements additional higher voluntary standards it can achieve a star rating of four or five.