Scottish Government urged to properly enforce crackdown on unlicensed dog breeders like 'Dr DNA'

Gary Hemming boasted about creating pups by crossing Dalmations and French Bull Dogs.

The Scottish Government announced in August that it would crack down on unlicensed and unregulated dog breeders like “Dr DNA” Gary Hemming.

Hemming, who has no veterinary qualifications, has boasted of intensive breeding techniques that have created spotty pups that are a cross between Dalmatians and French Bull Dogs.

The growth of unethical breeding has been so alarming that the Scottish Government has announced a major legal crackdown that will outlaw unlicensed dog breeders like Hemming.

It launched a consultation last year after a sustained nationwide campaign by vets and animal welfare organisations. New laws are being drafted that will force any businesses offering dog fertility services to get an annual licence and be subject to regular inspections.

The announcement follows recommendations published by British Veterinary Association, which called for greater enforcement of law breaches.

The Record has told how dog breeding has exploded, with many criminals, with no proper qualifications, being drawn in by the vast returns - with poorly bred pups being sold for thousands of pounds.

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Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: of the shady operators “It is unacceptable they can operate with little regulatory oversight or accountability.”

Daily Record vet Neil MacIntosh welcomed new legislation but said he was hugely sceptical about how effective it would be. He said: “We have loads of animal welfare legislation in Scotland but so little enforcement.

“Recent experience make me feel that any new legislation will be pointless and will be ignored unless there is money spent on enforcing it, with proper investigations and inspections followed by charges.”

The Daily Record contacted Hemming by phone and via his Facebook page but he did not respond.

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