The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013

Interpretation

2.  In these Regulations—

“the Act” means the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011;

“breeding bitch” means an unneutered female dog which is more than 6 months old;

“breeding establishment” means one or more premises, within the same district council area, operated by the same person from which that person keeps 3 or more breeding bitches; and

(a)

breeds 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period;

(b)

advertises 3 or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12 month period;

(c)

supplies 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period; or

(d)

advertises a business of breeding or selling of puppies;

“charity” has the same meaning as set out in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008(1);

“the Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development;

“the Dogs Order” means the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983(2);

“enrichment and enhancement programme” means a written document approved by an inspector detailing how dogs will have the opportunity to express normal behaviour;

“hunt club” means a hunt club—

(a)

which is registered with a national hunting association that is a member of the Hunting Association of Ireland or registered with the Northern Ireland Masters of Hounds Association;

(b)

that operates in accordance with the guidelines for kennel management issued by the Hunting Association of Ireland; and

(c)

does not sell dogs or pups;

“inspector” means a person appointed by a district council for the purposes of the Act or these Regulations;

“licence” means a licence granted under regulation 5;

“licence conditions” means those conditions specified in Schedule 4 to these Regulations;

“other dog” means a male dog which is more than 6 months old;

“puppy” means a dog which is less than 6 months old; and

“socialization programme” means a written document approved by an inspector detailing how puppies will be socialized before being sold or homed.

(1)

2008 c. 12

(2)

S.I. 1983/764 (N.I. 8)