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Animal Licensing
Dangerous Wild Animals:
Any person keeping any dangerous wild animal is required to hold a licence from the Council. This licensing procedure does not apply to animals kept in:
- a zoological garden
- circus
- pet shops
- places registered under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 for the purpose of performing experiments
Pet Shops:
Any person who trades in pets, (which means any vertebrate including fish), must possess a Pet Shop Licence issued by the Council. Trade in pets is not permissible from any part of a street, or public place or at a stall or barrow in a market.
Riding Establishments:
Stables that hire out horses for riding or instruction must be licensed under the Riding Establishments Act 1964. A licence lasts for one year and must be renewed. Before a licence is granted or renewed the horses and premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon who is qualified to inspect horses. The Council also needs to be confident that the licensee is a competent person to run such an establishment.
Animal Boarding Establishments:
By law, the Council requires these establishments to be licensed annually in relation to animal health and welfare regulations including suitability of the accommodation, arrangements for feeding etc, insurance, suitability and competency of employees and veterinary attention. The licences are enforced through routine inspections by the Council's Animal Warden and by responding to requests for service including complaints.
Dog Breeding Establishments:
If you operate a premises whereby you intend to have 5 or more litters of dogs a year, you must hold a Dog Breeding Licence. If you intent to run this as a business you may also require planning permission.
