Animal licence star ratings and appeals
The star rating system was introduced under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. The rating is based upon whether the licence holder achieves the minimum or higher standards set out in the DEFRA guidance and an example of the risk matrix used by inspectors is below.
The following activities are included:
- providing can and dog boarding or dog day care
- arranging accommodation for other people's dogs
- selling animals as pets (pet shops)
- breeding dogs
- hiring out horses
| Risk level | Minor failings | Minimum standards | Higher standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | 1 star - 1 year licence | 3 star -2 year licence | 5 star - 3 year licence |
| Higher risk | 1 star -1 year licence | 2 star -1 year licence | 4 star -2 year licence |
We will carry out at least one unannounced visit within the licence period.
Risk levels
New businesses who do not have any licensing history with us are automatically deemed higher risk and therefore have fewer stars on their licence but businesses with more than a year of history move into the lower risk category and gain more stars earned through compliance during their licence time.
A business which holds a licence with multiple activities listed on it will be scored according to the activity they score lowest on. For example, if a licence has three activities, two meeting higher standards and one meeting minimum standards, their licence will only ever be scored as a 2 star or 3-star licence unless all the activities meet higher standards.
The risk rating may vary during a business’s licensing history depending upon the history of compliance, whether complaints are received and justified and the length of time a licence is held.
A licence is earned through hard work and commitment and if a business is not worthy of a licence, it would not be granted.
The minimum licensing standards are much higher than any of the standards set in animal licensing previously and the higher standards require our licence holders to put a great deal of effort into attaining and retaining those standards.
Appeals
If you do not agree with the star rating your premises has been given and you believe the inspector has made a mistake, you may appeal by following the procedure below.
The star rating given to you at your most recent inspection can be appealed but only if you feel the inspector has not conducted a fair assessment against the DEFRA licence conditions and an informal discussion has not resolved your concerns.
To formally appeal your star rating, you will need to email our animal licensing team animalwelfare@maidstone.gov.uk. You will need to appeal within 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) of the date the licence was issued. You will need to include the:
- name of your premises
- date your inspection took place
- star rating you received
For alternative ways to appeal, including by post please contact us.
After you've appealed
Once we've received your formal appeal, we'll acknowledge receipt, consider it and reply to you within 21 days, (including bank holidays and weekends). The deadline for appeal will be made clear to the licence holder so that the appeal is formally lodged and can be later withdrawn if the issue is resolved informally.
Your appeal will be considered by either the head of the department or a deputy they decide to appoint. Alternatively, your appeal may be considered by their equivalent in another council.
Fees
If your star rating improves after your appeal, the length of your licence may also increase, and you may also need to pay a fee depending on:
- whether extra officers were sourced to assess your appeal
- whether we can make a decision based only on your written appeal
- your reason for appealing