Pet shops
The keeping and running of a pet shop is controlled by the Pet
Animals Act 1951.
You cannot keep a pet shop unless you have obtained a licence from
the council.
Fees
The licence fee for 2011 to 2012 is £67, which is renewable
annually.
Before we grant a licence you must be able to demonstrate the
following:
- You are suitably qualified to keep animals with regard to the
type and number proposed to be kept.
- You will keep animals in suitable accommodation and have
adequate supplies of food and bedding.
- You will not sell mammals at too early an age.
- You will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread
of infectious disease amongst the animals.
- You will take appropriate steps to protect the animals in the
case of fire or other emergency.
- You will keep a register on the premises, giving a description
of any animal received on the premises, the age and sex, the date
of acquisition and departure and the source from which you received
the animals. This should be available for inspection at all times
by a licensing inspector or by a veterinary practitioner authorised
by the council.
- You will not sell animals to a child under the age of 12
years.
- We may refuse or withhold a licence on other grounds if those
grounds are such that conditions are not suitable for the keeping
of animals.
How to apply
Download, complete and return the application form, enclosing
the correct fee.
Each licence is subject to standard conditions
that are imposed on all pet shops licensed by the council. In
addition to the standard conditions a licence may also contain
special conditions that are only applicable to your premises.
If you have been refused a licence or aggrieved by conditions set
out in it, you can appeal to the magistrates court.
Downloads