The Community Protection Manager presented an update on the first year of the new licensing regime for Animal Licensing Activities. 

It was noted that:-

·  There had been a 55% increase in the number of licences issued for businesses being regulated.  This was set to rise to 82% as there were another 9 businesses known to the Community Protection Team that had or would be making an application in the next six months.

·  Animal welfare standards had improved with establishments being star rated, 50% of which had been awarded 5 stars, with a creditable 86% achieving a star rating of 3 or above.

·  The fees reflect an increase of the amount of work that has had to be carried out with the businesses, in particular providing advice and the inspections taking longer due to the forms having to be used from DEFRA.

·  The cost for the licences was comparable to other districts in Kent.

·  Pre-application advice was being proposed but this would be for the future once the new scheme was fully bedded in.

In response to questions from Members, the Community Protection Manager advised that:-

·  An email would be circulated after the meeting from Officers on whether the requirement for a dog to be vaccinated against kennel cough was advisory or mandatory. 

·  There had not been any prosecutions at present for illegal businesses but there were a number of alleged breaches being investigated.

·  Priority was currently being given to registering those who had approached the Council to register.

·  The team would encourage members of the public to inform them of any illegal businesses and would speak to the Communications Team to highlight the service and have an article in the Borough Insight magazine.

·  If a dog had puppies and the income from the sale of those puppies was more than £1,000 then the breeder would need a licence.

·  The Community Protection Manager would circulate a link to where Members would be able to view the animal establishments who are licensed for those activities.

·  Animal Rescue Centres were exempt from the new Animal Regulations.

RESOLVED:  That

1)  The update on the implementation of the changes in regulations for animal related activities introduced in October 2018 be noted.

2)  Option 2, to introduce a revised fee structure from 1^st April 2020, be approved as detailed in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.3 of the report.