License - Pet Shop

Description

No person may keep a pet shop unless they have first obtained a licence from their Local Authority.

Eligibility

Licenses for pet shops may be issued provided the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:-

a) The Pet Animals Act 1951

b) The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963

c) The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954

d) The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

Procedure

Applicants should contact the Council using the details provided.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which it relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as a pet shop.

Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Council:

1. That they are suitably qualified to keep animals with regard to the type and number proposed to be kept.
2. That the animals will be kept in accommodation that is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
3. That animals will be adequately supplied with suitable food, drink and bedding materials and (so far as is necessary) visited at suitable intervals.
4. That mammals will not be sold at too early an age.
5. That all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease amongst the animals.
6. That appropriate steps will be taken to protect the animals in the case of fire or other emergency, including the provision of suitable fire fighting equipment.
7. That a register containing a description of any animal received on the premises, the animal's age and sex, the date of acquisition and departure and the source from which the animals are received, and that the register will be available for inspection at all times by a Local Authority or by a veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner authorised by the Council.
8. No animal will be sold to a child under the age of 12 years.

A licence may be refused or withheld on other grounds if those grounds are such that conditions are not suitable for the keeping of animals.

Each Licence is subject to standard conditions that are imposed on all pet shops licensed by the Council.

In addition to the standard conditions a licence may also contain special conditions that are only applicable to your premises.

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which a licence is subject may appeal to the Magistrates Court and they may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as they think proper.

The following offences and penalties apply to the pet shops.

1. Any person found guilty of keeping a pet shop without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding ã500 or to three months imprisonment or both.
2. Any person found guilty of failing to comply with their licence conditions may be subject to a fine not exceeding ã500 or to three months imprisonment or both.
3. Any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector, or authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner in the exercising of their powers of entry may be fined up to a maximum of ã500.

If found guilty under this Act, the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping a pet shop for such length of time as the Court thinks fit.

Helplines

Regulatory Services, Animal Health: (01226) 773860/ 772532

Charges/Fees

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made. Currently the fee is ã146.00

Methods of Payment Available

Cash or cheque

Opening Times/Locations

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

How the customer can help

Please complete all relevant sections of the application form clearly, accurately and legibly.

Please return the form in plenty of time for a new licence to be granted or an old licence renewed.

Application form references

Pet shop licensing application form

Leaflets

Booklet - Model licence conditions for pet shops

Distribution Points

Leaflets are available from our offices (see Opening Times/Locations)

Legislation

• The Pet Animals Act 1951
• The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
• The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

Response Times/Next Steps

An initial response will be provided within 5 working days

Owner Officer Contact Details

Animal Health Officer
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

Telephone Number:- 01226 772532/ 773860