• General
• Licensing

General

Animal Health and Welfare is controlled by a range of legislation principally the Animal Health Act 1981, Agricultural (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, European Communities Act 1972 and subordinate regulations.

The Trading Standards service enforces this legislation and has the responsibility of safeguarding the health and welfare of livestock in Monmouthshire whilst on farm, in transit and at markets. The service also has responsibility for the licensing of certain establishments where animals are kept, this includes dangerous wild animals, dog breeders, kennels, catteries, pet shops and zoos. The service is also involved in restricting movement of animals in the event of a disease outbreak, therefore it is a duty to ensure all stockholders maintain all relevant records to enable animals and their movements to be traced.

This is done through enforcement carried out in line with the Trading Standards Enforcement Policy, the observance of licence conditions, and referral to relevant Codes of Practice. Stakeholder consultation with statutory partners DEFRA, the Police, Environmental Health and other local authorities, and cooperation with the non statutory partners such as the RSPCA, National Farmers Union, Farmers Union Wales, local vets, voluntary organisations and the farming community also forms an important part of the unit’s service delivery.

Monmouthshire County Council considers that all animals have the right to enjoy five basic freedoms;

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
  By access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vision

• Freedom from discomfort
  By provision of an appropriate environment including shelter and rest areas

each of these freedoms will be referred to by officers in the exercise of their statutory powers and when seeking to take practical measures to avoid unnecessary suffering or distress.

The Trading Standards service will promote, influence and improve animal welfare standards within Monmouthshire in partnership with other stakeholders. This will be done through ;

Ø      On Farm Inspections – to check records and welfare.

Ø      Attendance at Markets and Slaughterhouses – to ensure correct stock transportation, fitness of livestock, correct handling/penning and appropriate accompanying documentation.

Ø      Investigation of all complaints relating to farm animal health and welfare and associated issues. e.g. Animal By-products.

Ø      Roadside checks – to ensure correct transportation, documentation and identify illegal movements.

Ø      Inspection of and sampling from animal feeding stuffs manufacturers and retailers.

Ø      Education – informing businesses, residents and visitors of relevant animal welfare issues.

Ø      Advice – provision of up to date advice to the farming community and other organisations involved with animals.

Ø      Active liaison with outside Agencies and other Local Authorities.

In its response to disease it will either follow it’s own contingency plans or those devised and maintained by DEFRA and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department of the Welsh Assembly Government, according to circumstances. 

In performing it’s functions in relation to animals the Trading Standards service will, where appropriate, be contributing to the stated corporate aims and values of Monmouthshire County Council. The service plays an important role in assisting the authority to meet the stated aims:

Health and Well-being – Illegal slaughtering and non-compliance with Animal By-product legislation can have an adverse affect on peoples health if controlled items are able to get into the human food chain.

Community Confidence – Our aim is to educate and advise the community as well as enforce legislation. Use of the authority’s website will assist peoples opportunity to develop a better understanding of AH&W issues.

A Better Environment – Many aspects of the AH&W service delivery plan fit into this category especially where farmers and rural businesses are diversifying into other activities.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Trading Standards and Community Protection policies.

This policy will be circulated for consultation to statutory and non-statutory stakeholders named above.

Animal Health & Welfare Licensing

The Local Authority is responsible for legislation relating to a number of different licences. In Monmouthshire, the Trading Standards service has responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the following animal related matters:-

Licence conditions for catteries (50Kb)

The keeping of certain dangerous wild animals. 
application form (17Kb)

The licensing of pet shops. 
application form (28Kb)

The licensing of zoos. 
application form (28Kb)

The registration of dog breeders. 
application form (21Kb)

All forms should be printed out and completed using black ink. Upon completion they should be returned to the address given at the bottom of the page. We cannot accept e-mailed or faxed applications because all forms must have a hand written signature and be accompanied by the appropriate fee.

Where a fee is payable, a cheque should accompany the application made payable to "Monmouthshire County Council". If you require further assistance or advice please contact the Administration Officer on 01633 644102.