Licensing officers say they are monitoring an “explosion” in the number of people breeding dogs without a licence and advertising them for sale on social media.

Cornwall Council officers highlighted the issue during a briefing for councillors on animal licensing.

Sharon Beynon, senior licensing officer, said: “There is a massive explosion in dog breeding out there. We see it on social media all the time.

“People will say that they have only done one litter, but then you will see them back on there at a later date with more.”

She added: “We do see people month in, month out advertising massive amounts of puppies.”

She explained that many of the people breeding dogs and then selling them are often unaware that they need a licence.

Under current legislation a licence is needed if someone is earning £1,000 or more.

Sharon said: “We are monitoring where we can and will write to people (to tell them they need a licence) and will go to prosecution if necessary.

“It is if you are bringing in £1,000 or more. That is not profit. It is £1,000 income and you don’t take any expenses from that.

“If you are making £4,000 or £5,000 then you need to have a licence.”

Councillors were also told that the licensing officers are also aware of “puppy farms” being operated in Cornwall and that all complaints and reports would be investigated.

Sharon explained that there were currently 30 licenced dog breeders in Cornwall saying that “historically there was only eight at any one time”.

Looking more generally at animal licensing the briefing heard that there are currently 12 zoos, four performing animals, seven dangerous animals, 120 animal boarding establishments, 23 pet shops and 31 riding establishments licensed with the council.

All licensed premises have to be inspected by a licensing officer or a vet.

Recent changes to legislation have meant that licensed establishments are now inspected and given a rating from one to five and can get licences which run for one, two or three years.

Sharon told councillors that most of the licensed premises in Cornwall have been given a level five rating for the maximum three years.