Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report updating them on the draft Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 coming into force on 1^st October 2018. The report advised on the key differences from the existing regime, and informed them of how the Licensing team would implement these. However, officers also advised that the Guidance for the new Regulations was not yet available, and was unlikely to be published before October, which made detailed planning very difficult.  

A Member asked whether process maps were available to assist them in directing complaints and queries. Officers responded that process maps would be unlikely to capture all the variations possible in process and encouraged Members to seek advice on particular issues from the Licensing Team.

Members asked about officers’ rights of entry to licensed animal premises. It was confirmed that significant evidence was required to apply to the court for a warrant to enter a private house, and officers usually took an informal approach in dealing with such cases.

RESOLVED that the report be noted, particularly the key changes highlighted in paragraphs 3.9 - 3.16.