What is animal licencing
Animal licencing is a system that requires people to obtain a licence from their local council before they can keep certain types of animals. This includes wild, dangerous, or exotic animals, as well as certain types of domestic animals, such as dogs and cats.
Why animal licencing is important
There are a number of reasons why animal licencing is important.
First, it helps to ensure that animals are kept in safe and humane conditions. As a local council we have a duty to inspect licenced premises and to ensure that animals are being properly cared for. If we find that an animal is not being kept in a suitable environment, we can take steps to protect the animal, such as requiring the owner to make improvements or even removing the animal from their care.
Second, animal licencing helps to prevent the spread of disease. Licenced premises are required to maintain high standards of hygiene and to ensure that their animals are vaccinated against common diseases. This helps to protect both public health and animal health.
Third, animal licencing helps to reduce the number of unwanted animals. When people have to pay for a licence to keep an animal, they are more likely to think carefully about whether they are prepared to make a long-term commitment to the animal. This can help to reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters or on the streets.
Animal activities that require an animal licence
Here is a list of animal activities that require an animal licence in the UK:
- Selling animals as pets
- Providing or arranging provision of boarding for cats or dogs
- Hiring out horses
- Dog breeding
- Keeping or training animals for exhibition
If you are unsure whether you need an animal licence for a particular activity, you should contact us.
This list is not exhaustive and there may be other activities that require an animal licence depending on the specific circumstances.