July 2026
Over the last two months, I have focused heavily on irresponsible breeding, particularly the countless adverts appearing on online selling sites and breeder WhatsApp groups. The more I look, the more one question keeps coming back to me:
What is the true scale of backyard breeding in the UK?
The honest answer is that we simply do not know.
Despite frequent reports of cruelty cases involving breeding dogs living in appalling conditions, there is no clear picture of how widespread the problem really is. Across the UK, court cases regularly expose shocking levels of neglect, with breeding dogs found living in filthy, overcrowded and disease-ridden environments. Some animals are so badly affected that they have to be euthanised to prevent further suffering. Others are left with significant physical and behavioural issues that rescue organisations must work tirelessly to address.
These are often difficult stories to read. They are upsetting, heart-breaking and entirely preventable.
Yet puppy farming and backyard breeding continue to operate largely under the radar. Where are the statistics? Who is measuring the scale of this problem? And more importantly, who is taking responsibility for tackling it?
With recent changes within government, we hope there will be renewed momentum to introduce stricter regulation of online selling platforms, which continue to provide an easy route for irresponsible breeders to advertise and sell puppies.
The contrast between responsible and irresponsible breeding could not be greater.
Licensed and conscientious breeders work incredibly hard to ensure the welfare of their dogs. During the current hot weather, many are taking additional precautions to protect vulnerable whelping dogs from conditions such as flystrike, researching the latest care products, learning advanced neonatal care techniques, and ensuring they remain compliant with breeding regulations and welfare standards.
Meanwhile, puppy farmers and backyard breeders continue to breed dogs in squalor. Welfare investigations frequently reveal animals living in dirty, disease-ridden pens, surrounded by stained food bowls, rotting scraps of food and inadequate care.
A video still of two heavily matted female Bichon Frise dogs – both in heat for sale.
One welfare issue that particularly highlights this neglect is flystrike. Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs in wounds, soiled fur or around dirty rear ends. These eggs hatch into flesh-eating maggots that can cause immense pain, severe infection and, in some cases, death if left untreated. It is especially common during the warmer summer and autumn months and is entirely preventable with appropriate care and hygiene.
This brings us to another important question.
How is Lucy's Law working?
While Lucy's Law was a significant step forward, it addressed only one part of the puppy trade by banning the commercial third-party sale of puppies and kittens. It did not eliminate puppy farming itself. Large-scale breeders can still operate if they hold a licence, and the quality and consistency of inspections vary considerably between local authorities.
As a result, welfare concerns persist and breeding dogs can continue to suffer behind closed doors.
The Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving animal welfare and tackling puppy farming. However, legislation alone is not enough. Without consistent enforcement, regular inspections and informed consumer choices, the laws designed to protect breeding dogs will always have limited impact.
Online selling platforms continue to make it difficult for prospective owners to distinguish responsible breeders from puppy farmers. Time and time again we see adverts describing litters as "family bred", a phrase that can mean almost anything and offers little reassurance about the welfare standards behind the puppies being sold.
If we are serious about ending irresponsible breeding, several changes would make a significant difference:
Increased funding for local authorities to carry out inspections and prosecutions.
Stronger regulation of online pet-selling platforms.
Tougher penalties for illegal and irresponsible breeders.
Better intelligence sharing between councils, police forces and animal welfare organisations.
Greater public awareness to help buyers recognise and avoid irresponsible breeders.
Until meaningful changes are made, Justice for Reggie will continue to raise awareness, encourage reporting of suspicious breeding activities and shine a light on an industry that too often escapes scrutiny.
Because every breeding dog deserves a life free from neglect, fear and suffering. And every puppy deserves a better start in life.
