TOUGH laws for dog breeders have been introduced in an effort to improve puppy welfare.

The plans mean it will be illegal to sell puppies younger than eight weeks, and anyone selling three or more litters of puppies a year will have to apply for a formal licence.

Those who don’t stick to the rules will face an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.

In addition, anyone trading commercially online will have to be licensed, to help make reputable sellers easily accessible to prospective buyers.

The plans also cover how pet shops, boarding houses and riding stables are licensed, introducing a single ‘animal activities licence’ to improve the process and make enforcement easier.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “Everyone who owns a pet or is looking to introduce one into their life will want to know that the animal has had the very best start to life. Yet for thousands of puppies born each year to irresponsible breeders, from smaller operations to larger puppy farms, their first weeks are spent in cramped and squalid conditions without the care and attention they need. That is why we are cracking down on the worst offenders by strengthening the dog breeding licence and giving councils the power they need to take action.”

Under the new plans, pet shops will also be required to give buyers written information about the animals they buy, with details of the five welfare needs owners must meet under the Animal Welfare Act including environment, diet, behaviour, housing and freedom from pain. This advice is particularly important when buying exotic pets, which can have very specific welfare needs.

Welcoming the plans, Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “We are particularly pleased that it will be illegal to sell a puppy below the age of eight weeks and that there will be tighter licensing rules, which will require sellers of pets to display their licence when advertising.”