Breeding and Selling of Companion Animals

Abstract

This chapter explores the criminology of the breeding and sale of pets, focusing on the UK puppy trade. Breeding and sale of pets involve harms (some of which are covered by specific welfare offences) including poor care (of breeding animals and progeny) and poor mate-selections and non-compliance with laws designed to minimise international disease transfer (for example, on pet movements to prevent the spread of rabies). Such behaviours can cause animal welfare problems at the time (for example, infectious disease) or in later life (for example, fear-related aggression and inherited health disorders). Rational Choice Theory suggests the underlying behaviour may be partially explained by (a) the lack of guardians for the animals and purchasers (with weaknesses in consumer and animal protection legislation); (b) the presence of suitable victims (that is, vulnerable animals and purchasers); and (c) offenders’ strong motivations (in particular for financial gain). The chapter concludes by arguing that appropriate responses include better consumer empowerment; better movement and animal welfare laws, effectively enforced; clearer and better enforced vending legislation particularly on electronic purchases; the use of other legislation (for example, fraud) to challenge offenders.