Agenda item

The Environmental Health Team Manager presented the report to the Committee.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 had created an overarching welfare obligation on those who were responsible for animals.  The 5 ‘needs’ of animals identified were:

• The need for a suitable environment;
• The need for a suitable diet;
• The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;
• Any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals; and,
• The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.

The Council was responsible for the licensing and regulation of animal related activities (and safeguarding animal welfare) within the District under 4 separate pieces of legislation:

• Animal Activity Licences issued under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) Regulations 2018;
• Primate Licences issued under the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024;
• Dangerous Wild Animal Licences issued under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976; and,
• Zoo Licences issued under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

Following the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, the Council had adopted its current Animal Welfare Licensing Policy (the ‘Policy’), which was adopted 16^th September 2019 – the Policy had remained unchanged since adoption and was attached at Appendix 1.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the General Licensing Committee was responsible for all licensing matters not covered by the Licensing Act 2003 or the Gambling Act 2005, while the responsibility for the final determination of policies was reserved for the Council.

The Joint Environmental Health Service had undertaken an extensive review of the Policy, resulting in a complete, substantive and appropriate rewrite – the draft revised Policy was attached at Appendix 2.  The draft proposals sought to:

• Modify the format of the Policy to ensure it was comprehensive and cohesive;
• Ensure the Policy was consistent with legislation and statutory guidance;
• Ensure the Council’s processes were transparent;
• Ensure the Council promoted the highest animal welfare standards; and,
• Ensure the Policy adequately safeguarded the public.

An equality impact assessment had additionally been carried out – a draft copy was attached at Appendix 3 (in relation to some activities including / promoting child participation, e.g. horseback riding).

Research had been undertaken resulting in Table 1 and Graph 1of the report.  These showed how animal activity had changed across the District since the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Council’s current Policy.  It was found the number of animal licences had almost doubled since 2021, while service requests relating to animal welfare had increased between 2023 and 2025 before reducing to earlier levels.

The increase in animal licences and complaints was likely a consequence of greater awareness of the animal licensing regime amongst operators and the public.  Recurring themes included:

• Requests for advice to start or expand a business;
• Requests for advice on what activities required a licence;
• Requests to verify information on current licences / licensing registers;
• Reports of unlicensed activity;
• Concerns about animal welfare; and,
• Nuisance linked to animal activities.

Overall the Council had seen growth in animal activity and further growth was expected.  Data suggested the Council could benefit from enhancing the provision of information to operators and the public through a more detailed and comprehensive Policy.

The General Licensing Committee had approved the draft revised Policy for consultation.  A 12-week public consultation had commenced 22nd June 2026, and stakeholders were due to be consulted directly this week.  The results from these consultations would be presented to a General Licensing Committee meeting for consideration (expected to take place autumn 2026) before a final draft revised Policy was recommended to Council for adoption.

The draft revised Policy was before the Committee for additional comment and consideration – any comments made would be provided to the General Licensing Committee.

A Member stated the Policy was excellent, highly detailed and would likely cover any eventuality and potentially provide answers to any questions from the public.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Cathy Jeffery

RESOLVED that: 1) the Committee reviews the revised draft Animal Welfare Licensing Policy and provides comments for consideration by the General Licensing Committee; and,

2)    the Committee notes the intention to carry out a public consultation and present the findings back to the General Licensing Committee, before a final draft is recommended to Council