Dog day boarders, puppy breeders and animal exhibition businesses must register soon
Published: Tuesday, 24 July, 2018
New welfare laws mean more people who run animal businesses must register with their local council soon.
Dog day boarders, keepers of exhibition animals and some dog breeders must contact Stroud District Council ahead of Government legislation which will become law in just a few months’ time.
On October 1, these groups will be covered by the The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and anyone who does not register could be guilty of an offence.
Anyone who operates a business where dogs are looked after away from their home during the day will need a licence from October 1.
People who keep exhibition animals in the course of their business for educational or entertainment purposes will need to register too – this includes businesses such as falconry displays, dove releases, animal encounter experiences, or pat-a-pony days, for example.
And dog breeders who breed three or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period and/or breed dogs and advertise a business selling dogs must also register.
SDC Environment Committee chair Simon Pickering said: “It’s important not to fall on the wrong side of the law so we would encourage all who board animals during the day, breed dogs for sale, or who keep exhibition animals to contact Stroud District Council’s Animal Welfare Service as soon as possible.”
The full guidance for the new regulations is due in September, and uptake is expected to be high.
Anyone whose business falls within these criteria must contact SDC via environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk or call 01452 754 492.