Animal Licensing Policy

New applicants for all types of animal licence are advised to contact the Council’s Commercial Licensing Team prior to making their application. This allows the officers to provide advice, as well as clarifying any areas of uncertainty. The team can be contacted on [email protected]

Applicants are advised to ensure that other legal requirements are in place such as those relating to planning and building control matters.

Those applying to renew their licence are advised to do so in a timely manner and where applicable in the timescale specified in the legislation that their licence is issued under. Failure to do so may result in a business having to close until a licence is granted or risk offences being committed by keeping animals without first holding an appropriate licence.

Where a renewal application is received after the expiry date of the previous licence, save in exceptional circumstances, it will be treated as a new application.

For all types of licence, applications must be made on the Council’s prescribed application forms which are published on the Council’s website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/business/business-licences-and-permits/animal-licences/

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications, including accompanying documents, electronically by email to the licensing team at [email protected] or by online forms where these are available. The Council will also accept applications via post to Licensing Services, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8FF

An application will not be considered valid until a completed application form has been received along with the correct application fee.

Applicants will also be asked to provide the necessary supporting paperwork that they are required to have as set out in legislation and guidance relevant to the type of licence they have applied for.

Applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or “basic disclosure”), the certificate must be no more than two months old at the time of application.

Those whose licence is in force at the time that this policy comes into effect will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the time of their next renewal application.

Each application will be considered and determined on its own merits and on a case by case basis, having taken into consideration this Policy and any statutory requirements and other relevant information.

In accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegations, decisions relating to animal licensing are made by authorised officers with sufficient training to make those decisions. Inspections must be carried out prior to a decision being made on any animal related licence application, as required by legislation.

If an officer is considering refusing an application the applicant will usually be given an opportunity to discuss the Council’s concerns and to give their views before a final decision is made.

Any decision will be provided to the applicant in writing and will set out details of the relevant appeal process.

Where applications are received from individuals whose basic disclosure reveals convictions, the Council will consider if the convictions are relevant in determining the suitability of the applicant to hold the type of licence they have applied for. The Council will also consider if the type of offences are an indication that an applicant is unlikely to comply with licence conditions, for example convictions for:

• Licensing offences
• Offences involving dishonesty or fraud

In each instance, the application will be considered on its own merits, with applicants given an opportunity to make representations prior to the Council determining the application.

The Council will not normally grant a licence to a person with one (or more) conviction(s) for any offence relating to animal welfare. The primary purpose of the animal licensing legislation enforced by the Council is to ensure the welfare of animals and as such, these types of offences are considered highly relevant.