Agenda item

The briefing note (which has been prepared by Linda Holland (Licensing Manager) seeks to update the Licensing Committee on the implementation of the new Animal Activities Regulations in Wiltshire.

Linda Holland (Licensing Manager) referred to the Briefing Note on the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 that was circulated with the Agenda.  Linda highlighted the following:

·       The changes in legislation had had a significant impact on the Council’s animal licencing regime and the smooth implementation of the new regulations could not have taken place without the hard work and flexibility of the whole Licensing Team who were strongly supported by the dog wardens who assisted with inspections;

·       The DEFRA guidance introduced to assist with the interpretation of the legislation had already been changed significantly and it had even been the case that during inspections, those being inspected had produced documentation from DEFRA referring to changes that been made that had not been communicated to the Local Authority;

·       Four licensing seminars took place in October 2018 with over 200 members of the animal licensed trade using the opportunity to learn about the implementation and potential impact of the new regulations;

·       Under the old licensing legislations (prior to December 2018) there were 269 licences.  Over 190 have been re-licensed (some of these are now combined licences).  It is pleasing to note that many these establishments received a 5 star – 3-year licence.  There were only a few who received a 1/2-star rating and a 1-year licence.  Those establishments will receive unannounced inspections going forward;

·       To date, five establishments have had their applications refused, with two of these now having been re-inspected and licences granted.  There had been no legal challenge to the new processes and no appeals against the decisions made.  The Authority now have more powers under the legislation and can suspend or downgrade a rating if standards are not continuing to be met;

The Licensing Committee members asked the following questions:

Q        Have you considered putting on a review style seminar to the trade to gauge opinion on how things are going?

A        I am not sure what that would offer to the trade, but we may consider it if there are further changes introduced.

Q        Do you receive intelligence/tip offs on establishments/breeders that may be unlicensed?

A        We do follow up on any intelligence received; we proactively seek them and make them aware of the legislation.  We have contacted about a dozen establishments that we were aware of and these have come forward and are now in the licensing process.

Q        I assume there are a limited number of establishments/breeders that are outside of the licensing scope that DEFRA wanted to pick up within this legislation?

A        We educate the public on puppy buying and encourage those wishing to buy a puppy to look at the list of registered dog breeders on the public register on our website.  Vets may also make us aware of breeders that we can check.  A dog can have up to 3 litters before they come into the regime as a dog breeder.

Q        Do we share information with our neighbouring authorities and highlight any known problem establishments?

A        Yes, we liaise regularly with other Local Authorities to share information.  Linda would be attending the regional dog warden / animal licensing meeting next week to share best practice and work with neighbouring authorities to address concerns and queries.

Q        Have you received any feedback on the fees increase?

A        We feel that the fees are considered to be comparable to the work require as those who now have a 3-year licence will be paying less than they were each time for their 1-year licences.

Q        Why have the riding schools not yet been rated?

A        There was not the deadline for riding schools to be inspected by 31 December 2018 as it was with the other establishments.  These will be going through the new requirements as their current licences expire.

Q        We you able to get vets on board to help with inspections?

A        We wrote to 30 vets and received no offers to assist us.  We do now have one vet to help with inspections.  Visits have taken more time than anticipated.

Q        Are animal breeders expected to “vet” the prospective owners?

A        There is no legislative requirement on them, although they are deemed to be suitable if they are purchasing from a reputable breeder and it’s for the breeder to decide who to sell to.

The Licensing Committee wished to congratulate and thank Linda Holland and her Team for their excellent work in the implementation of this legislation.

Resolved:

That the Licensing Committee note the update and support the work of the Licensing Team in implementing and enforcing the new regulations.