The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb) are now in force. They come under section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Under the new laws a number of animal related activities will all be covered under a single type of licence, known as an animal activity licence, rather than under separate licences. The legislation is accompanied by new nationally set licence conditions which are contained in Schedules 3 to 7 of the regulations. In addition a star rating scheme has been introduced and will have to be displayed from 2019.

The regulations replace the licensing and registration under the following legislation:

  • Pet Animals Act 1951
  • Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
  • Riding Establishments Acts 1964 & 1970
  • Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 & Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999
  • Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925

Please ensure you are familar with the relevant sections of the regulations if you need to apply for a licence from us.

Please refer to the Animal Welfare Guidance Notes and FAQs (PDF Document, 0.26 Mb) for assistance and further information.

Last updated: Wed 20 December, 2023 @ 11:33