Animal Activity Licensing FAQs – COVID 19
Dated 18th May 2020
Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020
This guidance has been updated to reflect the latest amendments to Government advice on Covid 19 to balance public health protection requirements and the need for businesses to keep working. The position may change regularly as decisions are taken about Covid 19 related restrictions.
At all times, consideration MUST be given to the most up to date Government advice on keeping animals, public health, social distancing and business closures. Always check relevant websites for updates.
Inspections for Licences
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
Further to the latest government guidelines, boarding of animals should only be continued to support essential key workers (e.g. NHS staff) or vulnerable people unable to care for their animals.
You must implement all reasonable precautions to operate to the latest government guidelines.
The Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) and other animal welfare experts have produced guidance about how animal related businesses can operate safely during the outbreak.
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
Riding Schools can now give lessons. Subject to social distancing measures remaining in place, 1-2-1 riding lessons are now permissible.
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
Puppies can now be collected from a breeder. The amended regulations allow purchasers to collect a puppy by prior arrangement when the sale has already been agreed.
The pet must be at least eight weeks of age and should be seen with their mother at point of collection. Where there is concern regarding social distancing, it is advised that where a puppy is being purchased from a breeder and cannot be seen with the mother in the home at the time of collection, video footage is shared by the breeder of the offspring with their mother prior to the sale.
Where a breeder undertakes delivery and the journey will be over 40 miles (65kms), it is considered that they will be caught by the rules relating to the Welfare of Animals in Transport EU Regulation 1/2005. It is advised that they seek authorisation with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Welfare of Animals in Transport Team (WIT).
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.
Can a zoo remain open for people to walk around?
The relaxation in the movement of people and the opening up of parks in England has meant that subject to social distancing in place, more businesses are now permitted to open. As most zoos are in parkland or safari parks that you drive around it is a matter of deciding on a case by case basis as to if the business may operate subject to social distancing rules and those relating to the closure of gift shops and cafes being maintained. Where such a business is considering opening it is suggested that liaison with the local police force is made regarding the matter.
The Zoos Support Fund is now open to applications - Find out how to apply
Government wrote to zoos on 21 April 2020 regarding a new Zoos Support Fund for those zoos and aquariums in urgent need of financial support. The Fund is now live and below you will find details on how zoos can apply for funding.
Zoos are eligible to apply if the zoo or aquarium either:
* holds a licence (full or dispensation) under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981; OR
* has been granted an exemption under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and holds a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018
The zoo will need to register and apply online using Bravo, an eSourcing portal. You will find further information on how to apply at the following links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-apply-for-the-zoos-support-fund
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-zoos-and-aquariums
This Fund is not a guarantee to save every zoo and aquarium business or job but is intended to help smaller zoos at immediate risk to protect the welfare of animals living on site or by rehoming. Defra officials have also been engaging with some of the largest zoos to discuss additional concerns which are arising including over a longer time frame, and active consideration of these is ongoing.
Useful links
GOV.UK Coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
The Kennel Club
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/coronavirus/advice-for-animal-related-businesses-and-local-authorities-during-covid-19/
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-breeders/breeders-and-coronavirus-covid-19-faqs/print
Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) for pet businesses
http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/news/
