Animal Activity Licensing FAQ’s – COVID 19 - Dated 27th April 2020
Inspections for Licences
COVID-19 guidance is changing regularly, and we ask that you keep yourselves up to date with the latest information.
We are currently unable to undertake any inspections for new licences or licences due for renewal during the government restrictions. If you have received a renewal reminder, and are still working, please submit your application as usual via email. Your current licence will continue in force until such time as restrictions are relaxed and we are able to carry out an inspection. If however you are not working and have received a renewal reminder please see the following paragraph.
Can licences issued under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 be extended?
This question was posed to DEFRA and this is the response:
In these unprecedented times of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic we recognise that local authorities are under considerable pressure regarding licences issued under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. Some local authorities may wish to extend licences as a result for 3 months to reduce the need for inspection and the risks involved whilst the outbreak continues. Regulation 9 allows local authorities to vary licences with the consent in writing (including e-mail) of the licence holder or where the licence holder makes an application. Local authorities may wish to consider using this facility for extending licences for 3 months where this is deemed necessary.
At this time the Authorities of the Public Protection Partnership has no definitive decision on what will happen with licences that are issued in the long term , but at present would suggest that they will be dealt with on a case by case scenario, based on when the licence is due to be renewed and the government advice at that time in relation to Covid 19 restrictions – we would look to support the small business in any way we can.
In the short term if a licence is due for renewal in the foreseeable future (before end June 2020) and you are currently closed you may request to extend your existing licence in writing and we will extend your existing licence by 3 months by way of a letter to be kept with your licence.
Dog and cat boarding, day care and home boarding
These premises do not have to close. However boarding of animals should only be continued to support essential key workers who must continue their work (e.g. NHS staff) or vulnerable people unable to care for their animals.
You must have all reasonable precautions in place in order to operate within the latest government guidelines. Your procedures should cover (not exhaustive):
• Restricted contact with the owner of the animal in line with guidelines (social distancing)
• Ability and availability to clean hands regularly in line with guidelines
• How collection and drop off of animals can be achieved safely within guidelines
• Walking dogs whilst maintaining social distancing
• Areas used by dogs/cats must be thoroughly cleaned before another animal is introduced.
• Cleaning of vehicles (if used to collect/drop off)
• Use of your own leads that can be cleaned between use
• Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
Dogs from self-isolating households should be kept on a lead and contact avoided with other people and animals if being walked in public.
When walking dogs you should stay local and use open spaces near your home. Do not travel unnecessarily, as this may be considered leaving your home without reasonable excuse. You must minimise the time you are outside of your home.
Pet shops
These premises do not have to close as they are providing food and equipment for the care of animals. You should not visit a pet shop for the sole purpose of purchasing a new pet, but may do so if buying food for an existing pet.
Riding schools
These premises must close as they are leisure centres and must not offer riding to members of the public. Employees can still visit the premises to care for the animals, including riding them for the animals exercise. Animals at Livery at these premises can also be attended by their owners or employees.
Dog breeding establishments
Dog breeders are not prohibited from trading under the current regulations, but the restrictions present a number of challenges.
Persons cannot travel to a breeder to buy a puppy as it is not one of the permitted reasons to leave their home.
It is strongly recommended that breeders do not plan to have any litters until the Covid-19 emergency is resolved.
Lucy's Law
From 6 April 2020, it became illegal to sell puppies and kittens from pet shops and other commercial third party dealers.
Since October 2018, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 requires any person who carries out the business of selling puppies and kittens as pets to hold a licence. From April 2020 this will be amended so that puppies and kittens (cats under 6 months old) may only be sold as pets if they have been bred by the licence holder.
Useful links:
Advice for animal related businesses and local authorities during COVID-19
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/coronavirus/advice-for-animal-related-businesses-and-local-authorities-during-covid-19/
Covid-19 advice from Canine and Feline Sector Group for pet businesses
http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/SitePages/Home.aspx
GOV.UK Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people with animals
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals#dogs
British Veterinary Association
https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/news/
