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Licence - pet shop

No person may keep a pet shop unless they have first obtained a licence from their local authority. A valid planning permission for the premises will also be required.

Licensing of pet shops

Pet shops are licensed by the local authority, and the licence may be issued provided the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:-

The Pet Animals Act 1951.

• The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
• The Protection of Animals (Amendment ) Act 1954.
• The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934.

In addition, the pet shop licence conditions must be complied with. A copy of these is available via the link. Furthermore, the licence may contain certain conditions which are only applicable to your premises.

If these conditions are not complied with, a licence application will be refused.

Currently the application fee for 2005/06 is £64.00.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which it relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as a pet shop.

Your right of appeal

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which a licence is subject may appeal to the Magistrates Court and they may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as they think proper.

Offences and penalties

The following offences and penalties apply to the pet shops:

• Any person found guilty of keeping a pet shop without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months imprisonment or both.
• Any person found guilty of failing to comply with their licence conditions may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months imprisonment or both.
• Any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector, or authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner in the exercising of their powers of entry may be fined up to a maximum of £500.

If found guilty under this Act, the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping a pet shop for such length of time as the Court thinks fit.

Further information

Copies of the Pet Animals Act 1951 and other legislation mentioned in this leaflet can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Alternatively, a copy of the Pet Animals Act 1951 may be viewed at the Council offices.

If you wish to apply for this licence, you can contact the Environmental Health Section, or alternatively, download a copy of the application form via the link below.

Licensing
Bridgnorth District Council
Westgate
Bridgnorth
WV16 5AA

Tel: 01746 713270
Fax: 01746 764414
Email: licensing@bridgnorth-dc.gov.uk

Pet Shop Licence Application Form