Animal Welfare Licensing and Registration

Animal Boarding Establishments

Local Authorities issue licences on an annual basis to proprietors of boarding kennels and catteries under the provisions of The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963. The licence can stipulate a number of conditions to secure the following objectives:

• That dogs/cats are kept in accommodation suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
• That dogs/cats are adequately supplied with food and drink, and are visited at suitable intervals.
• That dogs/cats are kept secure.
• That reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
• That appropriate steps are taken in the event of an emergency.
• That a suitable consistent level of management is maintained.

An online form can be completed for an Animal Boarding Establishment Application

Dog Breeding Establishments

The Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 and 1991 and the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 require proprietors of breeding establishments to be licensed annually. Local Authorities may issue licences to proprietors of breeding establishments stipulating conditions which must be complied with by the licensee. The aim of the licensing system is to ensure that high standards of animal welfare are maintained at breeding establishments.

An online application can be completed for a Dog Breeding Establishment Licence

Pet Shops

Local Authorities issue annual licenses to proprietors of pet shops under the provisions of the Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended). This protects the welfare of animals sold as pets. The license can stipulate a number of conditions to secure the following objectives:

• That animals are kept in accommodation suitable in respect of size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
• That animals are adequately supplied with food and drink, and are visited at suitable intervals.
• That animals are not sold at too early an age.
• That reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
• That appropriate steps are taken in the event of an emergency.

An online application can be completed for a Pet Shop Licence

Horse Riding Establishments

Proprietors of riding establishments must apply annually to the local authority for a license. Inspections can then be made by officers and veterinary surgeons to ensure that the welfare and safety of both horses and riders is adequate. If a riding establishment is unlicensed then we will be unaware of any inadequacies or risks that may be present, and therefore unable to remedy them. The public should therefore check whether establishments they visit are licensed, and notify us if they are not.

This licensing requirement does not apply to livery stables (the stabling or keeping of horses for money), which do not require any form of license and, do not have to be regularly checked.

An online application can be completed for a Riding Establishment

Zoos and Dangerous Wild Animals

The local authority is also responsible for licensing anyone that is keeping a dangerous wild animal as specified under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

So if you are interested in keeping, for example, an aardvark or a zebra then give us a call first and we’ll discuss it further.

Who to contact

If you wish to request an application form or wish to know more about any of the above then Environmental Services can be contacted on 08452 304040 or at customer.services@midbeds.gov.uk

It is recommended that applicants consult the Environmental Services at Mid Beds District Council prior to submitting an application.

Alternatively, if you wish to lodge a complaint in respect of one of these premises within the district of Mid Beds then please contact us on the same number.

Please contact us if you would like to make a complaint or request a service

Where necessary, an independent vet will accompany us on visits to help us investigate complaints or determine applications.

You should contact the Planning Department of this authority if you think your business may require planning permission. They can be contacted on 08452 304040.

If you require information on other animal welfare issues such as domestic, captive and sporting animals or conversation and wildlife then please contact the Animal Welfare Division of DEFRA on 0207-9046858 Website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare