City of York Council’s Executive next Thursday will be asked to adopt an enhanced animal welfare licensing policy which will put York at the cutting edge of animal welfare regulation.
The policy has is based on new regulations from the Institute of Environmental Health and will formally bring accountability and the promotion of good licensing standards to a variety of animal establishments throughout the city
Currently, York council licenses 34 animal boarding premises, one dog breeder, one zoo and one keeper of dangerous wild animals, eight pet shops and four riding schools. The council has also registered eight people to keep performing animals. (The zoo is at Askham Bryan College in support of its animal management course).
The council inspects these establishments on a regular basis to ensure that animal welfare standards are being met.
Cllr Helen Douglas, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods said: “While there is no statutory requirement for local authorities to set policies in relation to animal welfare licensing, we consider it best practice to do so.
“We’re proud that our administration takes animal welfare seriously and goes above and beyond what is required to root out animal suffering to the fullest extent of our local authority powers and our licensing officers will respond promptly to any breach of our regulations.”
Executive takes place at 5.30pm on Thursday 26 April at West Offices