Health and welfare needs

There is a wide range of legislation in the UK designed to protect the health and welfare of both domesticated and wild animals.

Animal Health and Welfare legislation is currently enforced jointly by us, Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), in association with other government bodies and independent organisations like the RSPCA.

Licensing

We carry out the licensing of:

• Pet Shops;
• Horse Riding Establishments;
• Dog Breeding Establishments;
• Animal Boarding Establishments;
• Dangerous Wild Animals; and
• Zoos.

Hertfordshire Trading Standards

Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards are involved in the registering and movement of livestock, animal disease control and the welfare of animals at markets etc.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), deal with:

• National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy
• Animal Welfare at Farms, Markets, Slaughterhouses
• The Pet Travel Scheme
• International Trade in Animals
• Animal Diseases
• Animal by-products
• Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity
• Wildlife Crime

DEFRA's helpline is 08459 33 55 77.

Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes anyone who owns or looks after a pet, responsible for ensuring that the five basic welfare needs of the animal are met.

• A proper diet.
• Somewhere suitable to live.
• Any need to be housed with, or apart from other animals.
• Allowing the animal to express normal behaviour.
• Protect from and treatment of illness and injury.

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Act faces a fine of up to £20,000 and/or 6 months in prison.

Owners can also be banned from keeping animals, possibly for life.

If you suspect that an animal is not being properly treated, you can report it on the RSPCA website or call them on 0300 1234 999.