I have experienced first-hand the consequences of irresponsible breeding and inadequate protection for dogs. My own dog, believed to be responsibly bred as a Kennel Club-registered pedigree, suffers from multiple serious health problems. This situation, which has turned my life and my dog's life into a continuous struggle, is a distressing testament to the flaws in the current system. Furthermore, I have taken in a puppy who is blind and may face further unknown health challenges due to irresponsible breeding practices. No puppy should be born into a life filled with preventable genetic suffering because of greedy breeders.

The United Kingdom is home to millions of dog lovers, yet we are lagging in ensuring the welfare of man’s best friend. Despite the proposed Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, there still exist substantial gaps in the regulatory framework governing dog breeding. The impacts of these shortcomings manifest in the form of dogs suffering from preventable diseases and genetic disorders, issues that are completely avoidable with stringent regulations and checks.

Irresponsible breeding not only harms the animals but also places a heavy financial burden on unsuspecting owners who are left to deal with the aftermath. Veterinary bills for conditions that could have been avoided with proper screening and responsible breeding are soaring.

Therefore, I propose making dog breeding in the UK licence-only. This system would necessitate that all breeders, individual or commercial, secure a licence to operate. Obtaining this licence should be contingent upon mandatory health testing, welfare checks, and evidence of responsible breeding practices.

The government must implement strict guidelines and penalties for non-compliance to ensure adherence. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the incidence of genetic disorders caused by irresponsible breeding, and improve the overall health and wellbeing of future generations of dogs.

Countries like Norway and Sweden have already instituted stringent breeding regulations with demonstrated success in producing healthier litters that do not suffer from hereditary disorders. It is time for the UK to join the ranks of nations prioritising animal welfare through robust policy-making.

This change is urgent and essential to protect our beloved pets from unnecessary suffering and to uphold responsible pet ownership standards in the UK. Please join me in calling for legislation that enforces licence-only dog breeding, coupled with comprehensive health and welfare assessments to protect dogs from preventable suffering.

Sign this petition to urge the UK government to enact laws that will ensure the health and wellbeing of our canine companions.