Under UK animal welfare legislation, there is a clear legal and ethical responsibility when it comes to breeding dogs: “No dog may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of its genotype, phenotype or state of health, that breeding from it could have a detrimental effect on its health or welfare or the health or welfare of its offspring.” — Dog breeding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities (Section 6.5) This regulation exists to prot