Agenda item

(A report by Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer)

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report which provided information about the proposed implementation of an Animal Welfare Licensing Policy. The policy had been drafted with due regard to all relevant legislation that governed the licensing of premises where relevant activities are carried out.

The Senior Licensing Officer advised that current licence holders and other relevant stakeholders, such as Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Local Authorities within the area, would be consulted on the draft Policy via email and/or post.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·         Questions were asked regarding potential training for staff regarding the policy. The Senior Licensing Officer advised that formal qualifications were needed and were available, and a plan was in place to train more staff members in respect of licenses for animal activities.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised members that this was not the reflection of a new practice, rather it reflected a formalisation of the existing Boston Borough Council procedures regarding animal licensing applications and enforcement.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer provided information regarding the licences and complaints received by the Council and advised Members about the needs of building evidence regarding enforcement actions.

·         Members were advised that it was a process that contemplated standardising systems, procedures, and policies across the three Councils within the Partnership.

·         Considering Brexit, members raised questions concerning the licence fees being set in accordance with the principles of the European Union. The Senior Licensing Officer advised that the Local Government Association guidance was still used when setting fees.

·         Members were advised that licensing fees had last been increased in April 2024, as part of a fee review across the board for Licensing.

·         Members sought information concerning the income covering the costs of the service. The Senior Licensing Officer advised that no cost was incurred to the Council.

·         Members queried whether more information could be advertised on social media to educate people about the existence of the different types of licences, and enforcement actions. The Senior Licensing Officer advised Members that although social media channels and the Council’s website were utilised to provide guidance and advice concerning licences, she would assess investing in additional communication.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised that there had not been a record of prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Regulations.

·         Following a query from members, the Senior Licensing Officer advised that non-personal information of licensed breeders could be added onto the Council’s website.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer informed members that information about the Animal Welfare Licensing Policy would be widely communicated, including to Parish Councils and stakeholders.

·         Responding to a question raised regarding the degree of flexibility of departure from the policy. The Senior Licensing Officer advised that decisions would depend on the circumstances and when needed, the Senior Officer, the Public Protection Lead and the Committee would be considered.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised that despite the similarities within the Partnership, each Council stood as sovereign authority when implementing regulatory processes, such as policy-making procedures.

·         Concerning the potential of having a published recommended list that included vet qualifications, the Senior Licensing officer advised that in relation to riding inspections the Council would use vets that belonged to the Royal College Vet Surgeons register. Regarding breeding applications, a procedure was in place to use the same vet professionals as the other two Councils, within the partnership, where possible.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised members that the charges coming from the presence of vets at inspections, were covered by the applicant or licence holder.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised that the circus which operated annually within the Borough was licensed with Boston Borough Council as their home Authority.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised that any involvement of the RSPCA was mainly linked to serious animal welfare concerns.

·         The Senior Licensing Officer advised members about the existence of a proposal for the 25/26 Financial year to upgrade the license fees.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Patsie Marson and seconded by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe.

RESOLVED:

That the draft animal licensing policy be approved for consultation with the licensed trade, general public and any relevant stakeholders.