Issue - meetings

To consider the draft animal welfare licensing policy prior to its publication for consultation (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory which sought approval of the draft Animal Welfare Licensing Policy prior to its publication for consultation.

The Group Manager – Public Protection introduced the policy and highlighted the following points:

• The policy was intended to help manage the framework for monitoring animal welfare licensing regulations.
• There were details within the policy that went beyond the requirements of the Animal Welfare Licensing Regulations 2018.
• Currently, SHDC had the following number of licensed premises: 31 dog breeders, 9 boarding establishments (catteries/kennels), 2 home boarders, 3 riding establishments, 5 pet shops, 6 for exhibitions of animals and 1 for dangerous wild animals.
• Exhibition of animals was brought under SHDC’s remit from LCC in 2018.
• Members were being asked to provide feedback prior to the policy going out for a twelve-week consultation period.
• The policy would be brought back to the Licensing Committee following consultation for final approval.

Members made the following comments:

• Members asked whether SHDC had a licenced zoo in the district.
  • Officers confirmed that there was one zoo licence
• Members queried what the difference was between boarding and home boarding.
  • Officer confirmed that home boarding under the regulations was for dogs only and took place within the home. The number of dogs that could be home boarded at a particular location depended on the size of the property.
• Members queried the degree of discretion to depart from the policy.
  • Officers stated that it was normal to add this into a policy as often the legislation is open to interpretation.
• Members asked whether a licence was required to keep a horse.
  • Officers confirmed this was not required.
• Members questioned whether the Council paid vet fees in advance when determining an application for a licence.
  • Officers confirmed that the regulations dictated that the applicant was responsible for the payment of the vet fee.
  • It was also noted that dependent on arrangements with each vet, the Council may pay the fee and then reclaim this cost from the applicant.
• Members asked whether a licence was required at Ayscoughfee for the aviary.
  • Officers stated that the legislation did not cover aviaries in municipal parks and therefore a licence was not required.
• Members asked how often licensing officers were retrained in respect of animal welfare.
  • Officers confirmed that a statutory qualification was required for animal welfare inspectors. Currently SHDC had 1 trained officer, and another was undertaking the qualification.
  • Officers were not aware of any refresher training, but this would be considered if they were made aware of refresher training as part of officer’s professional development.
• Members requested that a specific training session on Animal Welfare Panels be held for all Committee members.
  • Officers stated that training provided for members on Licensing Panels and Panels of the Committee of the Licensing Authority focussed primarily on taxi and Licensing Act 2003 activities, but the principles were generic to all types of Panel hearings.
  • Should an Animal Welfare Panel Hearing be required, the members of that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7