Persons who are required to hold an animal dealing licenceI13

1

It is prohibited for a person to carry on, without the authority of an animal dealing licence, an activity which–

a

involves a young cat or young dog for which the person is responsible; and

b

involves–

i

acquiring and keeping with a view to sale; or

ii

selling,

any such young cat or young dog.

2

Paragraph (1) applies only in relation to the carrying on of an activity on or after 30th April 2009.

3

But paragraph (1) does not apply–

a

to a person who holds a breeding licence granted under section 1(2) of the Breeding of Dogs Act 19735;

b

to a person who holds a pet shop licence granted under section 1(2) of the Pet Animals Act 19516;

c

in relation to the sale by a person of a young cat or young dog kept at an animal sanctuary, animal rehabilitation centre or an animal re-homing centre;

d

in relation to the sale by a person of the progeny of a cat or dog kept by that person as a pet; or

e

to a person who sells no more than 2 young cats or 2 young dogs or one of each such type of animal in any 12 month period.

4

It is an offence for a person, without lawful authority or excuse–

a

to act in breach of paragraph (1); or

b

to contravene any condition of an animal dealing licence,

and such a person will be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or both.