Animal Welfare Regulations 2018

COVID-19 ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS AND PET BUSINESSES

The Canine & Feline Sector Group (CFSG) has produced a document for pet businesses and local authorities about how they can operate safely and legally during the Covid-19 outbreak. The document has been developed in conjunction with DEFRA and is subject to any later changes from Government relating to the emergency restrictions. The document can be found via the following link www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus. 

The Kennel Club website provides further advice for dog owners and breeders.  

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/coronavirus/ 

The British Horse Society have provided advice for equestrian care. 

https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19 

Guidance for rescue and rehoming premises

http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/SiteAssets/SitePages/Home/CFSG%20Guidance%20for%20Pet%20Rescue%2021.04.20.pdf

Guidance for vets and shelters

http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/SiteAssets/SitePages/Home/Advice%20for%20Shelters%20and%20Vets%20COVID-19.pdf

New laws relating to Animal Activity Licensing are now in force.

The following types of businesses will now be covered under a single type of licence:

• Selling animals as pets
• Providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for cats or dogs
• Hiring out horses
• Breeding dogs
• Keeping or training animals for exhibition

This will be known as an ‘Animal Activity Licence’ with new nationally set licence conditions.

If you have a licence under the old legislation it will continue to be valid until it is due to expire. You will then need to apply for a new licence under the new regulations.

If you have a registration under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925, it shall continue to be in force until 31^st March 2019. You will then need to apply for a new licence under the new regulations.