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Animal Licences

Premises where animals are to be kept or cared for need to be licensed by the council. This is to ensure the health and welfare of animals, prevent the spread of disease, and to ensure safety to the public.

Animal Welfare Licence

The licence covers:

  • Home boarding for dogs
  • Kennel boarding for dogs
  • Breeding dogs
  • Selling animals as pets
  • Hiring out of horses
  • Performing animals

Dangerous Wild Animals

Animals can include:

  • Wild cats
  • Primates
  • Wild dogs, such as wolves
  • Certain pigs, such as wild boars
  • Marsupials
  • Venomous animals

Grazing Land Licence

There are a number of sites owned by the council that are available to rent for horse grazing. There is currently a waiting list, and land is only offered on a 364 day agreement.

Zoo Licence

A licence is required if:

  • Wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public
  • With or without a fee for admission
  • It is open for more than seven days a week in any 12 month period

The purpose of licences and inspections are to ensure that:

  • Accommodation is suitable in terms of size, construction, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
  • Animals are adequately supplied with suitable food, drink, and bedding material.
  • Animals are adequately exercised.
  • All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent and control the spread among animals of infectious or contagious diseases.
  • Appropriate steps will be taken for the protection of the animals in case of fire or other emergency.

The Licence Finder tool can help you find which licence you will need in order to carry out your business.

Further Information

Animal Welfare Concerns

We will investigate complaints of poor animal welfare conditions in a commercial business or if you suspect someone is operating a business without a licence within the Dudley Borough. If you have a general concern about the welfare of an animal, please contact us via the Animal Welfare Advice and Complaints form.

Alternatively, you can report the matter directly to the RSPCA.

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