Animal Welfare Licensing
Torfaen’s Food, Health and Safety team help to ensure high standards of animal care at commercial premises, both through our animal welfare and our animal licensing roles.
We licence the following premises:
-
Boarding Catteries and Kennels
-
Dog breeders breeding five or more litters in a year
-
Keepers of dangerous wild animals
-
Performing Animal keepers
-
Pet shops selling animals
-
Riding schools
-
Zoos
More information on each of these licences and how to apply can be found here.
Our Officers inspect these premises at least once a year to ensure that they comply with national minimal standards. These periodic inspections will usually be carried out with a vet, or an RSPCA officer in the event of specific animal health issues.
Set standards relate to structure, safety, security, infectious disease control, and the suitability of the licence holder. The aim is to ensure:
minimum standards of welfare for animals, prevent a spread of disease and the safety of the public visiting these premises.
Our advice to anyone buying or boarding a pet is:
-
Always check they are licensed by the Council, and ask to see the current licence.
-
Always visit and look at the premises prior to leaving your pet,
-
Buying an animal, or taking a riding lesson.
-
Always ensure that riding schools have current public liability insurance.
If you have any concerns about an establishments standards or its licence status please contact us.
If you have a complaint about a service that you have received from a licensed animal establishment, we would always advise that the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct| will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre|.
If you have any queries or concerns about welfare conditions at a licensed animal establishment premises, or are worried that a premises may be operating without a licence, please call us so that we can investigate and take action as necessary. We can also look at standards of care for pets and other animals using our powers under Animal Welfare Act.
Contacting Us
Tel: 01633 647623
E-mail: commercial.services@torfaen.gov.uk|
In writing: Food, Health and Safety Team, Floor 4 County Hall, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 2WN