Important Rules Every Dog Breeder Should Follow

Introduction

Dog breeding is the practice of mating dogs with each other with an intent to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics. The Ministry of the Environment and Forests has released proposed regulations to govern dog breeders across the country. The rules are in place to prevent animal cruelty. Its goal is to eliminate animal suffering in this industry. The dog breeding industry is growing every day as people become more interested in new canine breeds. The government has also asked for feedback on the draft notification of the 2016 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules.

For all dog breeders, it is mandatory to register themselves with the State Animal Welfare Board of the respective States under the new rules. In the Rules, the requirement for the breeders has been given such as related to health, housing facilities, and conditions for sale.

Breeding Methods

1. Out Breeding and Line Breeding: Out Breeding and Line Breeding are only allowed in India. Outbreeding is the mating of dogs that are not at all related to each other. Linebreeding is mating between dogs that are marginally related to each other. In this case, dogs are chosen for their special attributes to obtain certain types.
2. Inbreeding and Incest Breeding: Inbreeding and Incest Breeding are not allowed in India. Inbreeding is mating between dogs that are related. Inbreeding is breeding between relatives of the 2nd to 4th grade in straight or side-line within the first four generations e.g., uncle to niece, nephew to an aunt, cousin to cousin, grandparents to grandchildren. Incest breeding is mating between parents and children or between brother and sister, i.e., 1st-grade relatives. This is strictly forbidden. Incest breeding, as well as continued inbreeding and line-breeding, is risky since it increases the danger of hereditary diseases.
3. Female dogs should not be mated after 8 years of age.
4. All the breeders shall have a full record of the puppies that the male or female dog produces with their vaccination details.
5. Tail docking, ear cropping, or any mutation of the puppy is strictly banned and forbidden.

Rules to Regulate Dog Breeding

Following are some of the rules that every dog breeder needs to follow:

1. Every breeder must obtain a certificate of registration, which must be renewed every two years after an examination by the State Animal Welfare Board. This should put an end to some of the most heinous incidents of animal cruelty discovered in commercial breeding operations, such as dogs being held in cages for long periods without proper food or veterinary treatment.
2. Individuals who have been convicted of any offense under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (or the Wildlife Protection Act) are not eligible to be registered as breeders, taking the worst offenders out of the system for good.
3. The State Animal Welfare Board now has the right to inspect any breeding establishment for any reason, including on the receipt of a complaint from the public. 
4. In general, the new rules strengthen the hand of the government in dealing with breeders and separating those who breed irresponsibly by holding those who break the rules accountable. If the State Animal Welfare Board finds violators, they might have their licenses revoked and police charges filed.
5. Pups cannot be sold under the age of eight weeks. Studies show that dogs can develop social anxiety if separated from their mothers and litter-mates before this age.
6. Puppies from mass commercial breeders are frequently sick, weak, and generally ill animals, resulting in high death rates. Only vaccinated dogs who meet specified health conditions can be sold under the new restrictions. Every puppy sold should be microchipped, and their medical history and vaccines should be recorded. This makes it much easier for buyers to track their dog’s care, and it also encourages breeders to care for their dogs’ health.
7. Breeders should not display dogs in public places for immediate sale, which gives them time to counsel the purchasers to ensure they can take proper care of the dog.
8. It is a serious cruelty issue to discard (or even kill) dogs who do not fulfill arbitrary standards or are no longer ‘useful’ (for example, ‘breeding’ dogs who are no longer fertile). Abandonment is not only distressing for the animal, but it also contributes to the rise in the number of street dogs. It also puts a significant drain on the resources of animal rescue organizations.
9. Pedigree dogs, by their very nature, have a range of genetic issues due to generations of selective breeding. For example, Saint Bernards have hip and elbow dysplasia, pugs have skin and breathing issues, etc. Inbreeding can worsen these traits. The new rules demand better record-keeping. Thus, there are disincentives to breed dogs with near-relatives, as there is a paper trail accessible to potential buyers.

Requirement for obtaining a license for Dog Breeders

Following are the requirements for obtaining a license for Dog Breeders:

1. The breeder should be 18 years of age.
2. License from the local authority is the registration for commencing or continuing breeding activity at his premises.
3. Inspection by the team including recognized veterinary before granting the license. Inspection is Mandatory.
4. A report by the recognized Veterinary should be submitted to the local authorities. Local authorities will consider the report before determining whether or not to grant a license.
5. The local authority will inform the Board to grant a license. A copy of the report will be submitted by a local authority to the board.
6. The breeder must submit all the information requested on the application form, including a valid mailing address, and a valid address for the premises/establishment where animals, facilities, equipment, and records can be inspected for compliance. Locations of all premises/establishments, facilities, or sites where the applicant operates from, has an interest in or keeps animals, shall be provided on the application form or on a separate sheet attached to it.
7. The license granted is only for 1 year issued by the local authority. renewal of the license is necessary after inspection.