Animal Licences

All keepers of birds must register their premises. The exception are birds such as budgies, parrots, cockatiels and finches, where birds are fully housed with no access to the open air.

• Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds
• Register as a keeper of 50 or more poultry or other captive birds

If you need help to register:

• Email: customer.registration@apha.gov.uk
• Telephone: 03000 200 301

In order to control the spread of disease, such as Foot and Mouth, a general licence is needed for the movement of animals. The most common animal movements include:

• Pigs
• Deer
• Cattle
• Goats
• Sheep

The conditions of movement vary according to the type of animals, destination, and the type of trip. It also ensures animal welfare, such as being properly fed and watered, are not overcrowded, are fit to travel, and vehicles that are suitable to transport them in.

These conditions are constantly being altered and so it is vital that you make yourself aware of the latest conditions when applying for a movement licence.

See conditions and apply for a General Licence for the movement of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer.

There are number of strict regulations to follow whether you are importing animals or pets into the UK or into an overseas country. Quarantine regulations are in force in the UK and it is illegal to disobey them. Failure to comply could result in the animal in quarantine, re-exported or destroyed, and it's owner prosecuted.

Further advice on importation of animals is available from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The council has responsibility relating to the welfare of all captive, domestic animals and wild animals. This is to ensure that all animals health and well being standards are being met for a better quality of life, and the local community is being educated to meet these standards.

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 Courts who may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as it thinks appropriate.

We carry out inspections to ensure that premises are suitable and that the licence conditions are met. Businesses will be inspected as a routine part of the licensing process, this inspection may be undertaken with a vet where required.