Breeders fear new regulations

Cat and dog breeders are concerned that new regulations making it illegal to sell animals without a licence will translate into a “tax” imposed on a hobby that often leaves them out of pocket.

They should not be allowed to exploit dogs to make money

While welcoming the new regulations as a way of protecting animals from abuse and cruel over-breeding, they are concerned about the repercussions on their hobby.

Professional breeders spend a great deal of money on their animals and selling their litter does not make up the costs, according to Malta Feline Guardian Club president Kevin Micallef.

Malta Kennel Club secretary Mary Rose Spiteri said the same applied to dog breeders.

While the new regulations were needed to stamp out abuse, the authorities should have consulted with the recognised clubs before drawing them up, she said.

Last month, The Times reported that new regulations in the pipeline will make it illegal to sell animals without a licence.

However, this would not impact animal adoptions. So while pet owners will still be able to advertise that they are looking for a new home for their puppies or kittens, it will be illegal to put a price on the exchange as that would require a specific trade licence.

These regulations will mainly impact people who sell pure breeds, which fetch most money on the market.

A look at the classified adverts and online advertising sites shows several pure breeds for sale.

Mr Micallef and Ms Spiteri both said that professional breeders often bought pure breed males and females from abroad at over €1,500 each.

They then kept them at their homes, feeding them the best food and paying for expensive vaccines. Breeders often attended shows abroad and incurred travelling costs.

In the case of cats, Mr Micallef explained, it took about two years to have their first litter of about two or three kittens. These sold for about €500 each as pets with a pure breed certification.

When it came to dogs, Ms Spiteri said, professionals did not over-breed the bitches as that was considered animal cruelty. They made sure a female dog did not have more than one litter a year and not more that four litters in a lifetime.

Breeders ensured puppies with a pure breed certification were sold to a deserving owner.

They did not want to have to sell them through licensed pet shops that kept them in cages and where they could potentially contract disease.

Unfortunately, she said, there were people who abused the bitches, turning them into puppy-making machines.

“They should not be allowed to exploit dogs to make money,” she said. However, she added that controls should not be at the expense of proper breeders.