Welcome to the Animal Welfare section of the website which deals with all aspects of caring for animals both domestic and livestock. You can find out more information on animal boarding establishments, dog breeding establishments, our dog warden service, pet shops, riding establishments and zoos. 

Animal Welfare Act 2006

From 6 April 2007 (England) animal welfare law is being improved.  Not only is it still against the law to be cruel to an animal, you must now ensure that all animals welfare needs are met.  Anyone who fails to do so may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and or sent to prison.  Part of the new Animal Welfare Act 2006 enables existing licensing regimes involving animals, to be reproduced.   

For further information go to the DEFRA website to access the legislation and guidance.

Reporting Poor Care of Animals

We are responsible for any welfare issues occurring in premises which we licence, such as breeding or boarding establishments.  If you suspect animal welfare needs are not being met in a council-licenced establishment please contact the Environmental Health team.  

Environmental Health Service, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford  TN23 1PL 

Telephone: 01233 330204

Email the Environmental Health Team

Fax: 01233 330469

For all other enquiries reporting the welfare of animals please call the RSPCA 's 24-hour national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. 
 

For a list of local vets visit the Yell Directory.