NEW tougher licensing rules to better protect animals have been welcomed by Bury Council's trading standards and licensing boss.

The rules introduced on October 1 are part of a swathe of reforms to safeguard the nation's pets, tightening up laws around selling pets, breeding dogs and caring for animals.

Under the reforms smaller breeding establishments, often referred to as "backstreet breeders", which supply thousands of dogs each year, as well as larger commercial breeders; must meet strict welfare criteria to receive a licence.

The laws also make it illegal to sell puppies younger than eight weeks old, and require those breeding or selling three or more litters of puppies per year to apply for a formal licence.

Angela Lomax, head of trading standards and licensing at Bury Council, said: “Everyone who owns a pet or is looking to introduce one into their life will want to know that the animal has had the very best start to life.

“That is why the laws crack down on the worst offending back street breeders and non-licensed animal carers."

New licensing rules also extend to anyone trading pets commercially online, in a bid to make reputable sellers easily accessible, as well as pet shops, dog home boarders, kennels, catteries and pet day care centres.

This includes the introduction of single "animal activities licences" to improve the licensing process and make enforcement easier.

Such licenses will also cover other businesses including those who hire out horses and exhibit animals for performances.

Ms Lomax said: “With more and more pet sales now taking place on the internet, it’s right that this market is subject to the same strict licensing criteria as other breeders and pet shops so that consumers are not misled.

"The rules in force from October 1 will help people choosing new family pets to be confident the animals have been properly bred and cared for from birth as well as properly cared for while being looked after by businesses.”

In the run up to the new animal protection rules, Bury licensing service has collaborated with the Greater Manchester Centre of Excellence and barrister Michael Hope to provide a series of workshops for business affected by the new laws, to help them understand and be prepared for the changes.

The new laws follow the prosecution of 58-year-old mobile vet, Viktor Molnar, who illegally importing puppies to the UK and ran an illegal pet shop from his home in Belroy Court, Prestwich.

Molnar, now living in Kent, was sentenced to a community order, disqualified from operating a pet shop or boarding establishment for 10 years, fined, and struck off the the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' register earlier this year.