FOI Request - Selling Animals as Pets and Dog Breeding Licences

Request 101002812017

Please provide me with

1. A copy of all current licences issued in respect of selling animals as pets. For the avoidance of doubt I do require a copy of the licence and not just a link to any online list. The purpose of my request is to identify pet sellers and information recorded on licences by licensing authorities. Please note that it is my view that the copy licence provided should not be redacted to such an extent that the licence holder cannot be identified. I will require the name of the licence holder, be that a natural person or body corporate. I accept that a balance needs to be struck between the need for openness and transparency and data protection issues (which only applies to natural persons and not corporate bodies), for this reason I do agree that where an individual trades from a residential address the address can be redacted. It may also be appropriate to redact the name and signature of any council employee or official.
2. A copy of all current licences issued in respect of dog breeding. For the avoidance of doubt I do require a copy of the licence and not just a link to any online list. The purpose of my request is to identify dog breeders and information recorded on licences by licensing authorities. Please note that it is my view that the copy licence provided should not be redacted to such an extent that the licence holder cannot be identified. I will require the name of the licence holder be that a natural person or body corporate. I accept that a balance needs to be struck between the need for openness and transparency and data protection issues (which only applies to natural persons and not corporate bodies), for this reason I do agree that where an individual trades from a residential address the address can be redacted. It may also be appropriate to redact the name and signature of any council employee or official.
3. In the event that any pet shop or dog breeder currently licensed by you holds a licence to breed dogs in anywhere outside Scotland please identify which pet shop or breeder that is and confirm which other local authority has issued the dog breeding licence.
4. A ban on third party sales of puppies is due to be introduced in Scotland from 1 September 2021. In the event that you currently license any third party sellers of puppies please identify the seller and provide copies of all correspondence and notes of discussions with that business relating to the introduction of the ban.
5. Please provide copies of all correspondence and notes of discussions with the Scottish Government in relation to the implementation of the ban on third party puppy sales.

Response 30-06-2021

1. and 2. Please find the requested information attached here. Personal information has been redacted as this is exempt under section 38(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. 
3. In accordance with section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 we can confirm that this information is not held. 
4.  In accordance with section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 we can confirm that no records are held relating to third party sellers of puppies. 
5. In accordance with section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 we can confirm there are no records of conversations with Scottish Government or correspondence with Scottish Government .