Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following information:
1. How many enquiries did your local authority receive concerning the trading of puppies in 2020 and 2021?
2020 – 99
2021 – 116
2. How many investigations into the trading of puppies did your local authority undertake in 2020 and 2021?
2020 – 50.
2021- 33.
These figures relate to complaints and actions passed to Trading Standards Officers for initial investigation.
3. How many prosecutions relevant to the trading of puppies did your local authority undertake in 2020 and 2021?
0.
Please note that these figures relate to the Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service in 2020 and to the end of March 2021, and from April 2021 to the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service which additionally includes the area of Plymouth City Council .
All issues to do with the licensing of dog breeders under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 remain the responsibility of the District Councils or Unitary Authorities.