Dog breeding in New Zealand is not properly regulated, leaving serious gaps in laws to protect breeding dogs and their offspring. New Zealand has fallen behind comparable countries. Most New Zealanders would be shocked to learn that anyone can breed dogs with no licensing, no oversight, and no restrictions on the number of litters a dog can have across her lifetime. While many breeders do the right thing, these gaps allow irresponsible and indiscriminate breeding to persist.

Dogs can be bred too young, too often, or when their health makes breeding unsafe. Some are kept in high-density environments with limited oversight, leading to poor hygiene, stress, and inadequate care. Puppies from these settings can face lifelong health and behavioural problems. Many of the cases SPCA sees involve large numbers of animals living in poor conditions.

These issues don’t stop with individual animals. Unplanned and poorly managed breeding contributes to unwanted dogs entering the community. That means more dumped puppies, more roaming dogs, and increasing pressure on council pounds and animal shelters, many of which are already at capacity.

Since COVID-19, SPCA has seen an increase in breeder-related complaints, alongside a surge in demand that drew more people into dog breeding. Public awareness and understanding of responsible dog breeding is limited, making it harder for people to recognise poor practice when they see it.

Without stronger laws and better oversight, intervention often occurs only after significant harm has already taken place.

SPCA is calling for the introduction of clear dog breeding regulations, dog breeder licensing, and an updated Code of Welfare for Dogs to ensure dogs are protected at every stage of life.

Better education is also essential. Puppy buyers need to know what responsible breeding looks like, and breeders need clear guidance on their responsibilities. Informed choices at the point of purchase can reduce demand for poorly bred puppies.

Together, stronger dog breeding regulation, breeder licensing, and better education would reduce preventable suffering, lower the number of unwanted dogs entering the system, and ease pressure on shelters, pounds, and rescue organisations.

2026

• SPCA launches "Puppies Before Profits - Bring in Breeder Laws" campaign.
• SPCA commissions survey of public opinion on dog breeding practices and potential interventions to protect breeding dogs and their offspring.

2025

• SPCA sends policy brief to Minister Hoggard on breeding of companion animals.

2024

• Minister Hoggard directs NAWAC to pause all work on companion animal codes.

2023

• SPCA drafts Code of Welfare for Dogs and accompanying report and passes to NAWAC to progress.

2022

• SPCA provides additional information regarding irresponsible breeding at MPI’s request.
• Multiple meetings with MPI and other stakeholders regarding irresponsible breeding.

2021

• SPCA sends policy brief with recommendations on companion animal breeding regulations to Minister Whaitiri and MPI.

2020

• COVID-19 drives up demand for puppies and SPCA sees an increase in dog breeding complaints.