Performing animals licence
Licence summary
If you exhibit, use or train performing animals, you must be
registered with us.
Eligibility criteria
Licenses will not be issued to anyone convicted of an offence
against this Act, or against the protection of Animals Act 1911, as
amended by any subsequent enactment, the court which he is
convicted may in addition to or in lieu of imposing any other
penalty -
- If such a person is registered under this Act order that his
name be removed from the register.
- Order that such person shall either permanently or for such
time as may be specified in the order be disqualified for being
registered under this Act.
Regulation summary
The registration for the performance of animals is controlled
under the
Performing Animals Regulation Act 1925.
Application evaluation process
No person should engage in the performance of animals without
having carried out a risk assessment by a competent person.
Sound advice should be obtained from the following:
- Trained animal handlers
- Veterinarians
- Zoos
- University departments
It is the duty of the applicant to ensure that staff are given
prior warning if they are to work with animals in case of phobias
or allergies.
Information should be made available to every person concerned
regarding controls such as feeding, avoiding disturbance, what to
do in an emergency and the health risks particularly to expectant
mother caused by animal infections.
Any person that is not required to manage the animals should be
kept well clear of the performing area and the animals. It is
important that the length of time animals spend performing should
be kept to a minimum.
Any equipment used i.e. hay or straw should be treated and
fireproofed. First aid should always be on hand.
Before a licence is granted, the applicant must be able to
demonstrate to the licensing inspector that:
- The performing animals are obtained from a reputable source to
minimise the risk of disease.
- The appropriate measures will be taken to protect the animals
in case of fire or other emergency including the provision of
suitable fire fighting equipment.
- That the register contains the types of animal to be used in
performances, both to be trained and exhibited.
- That health and safety checks are carried out for both the
animals and staff.
Offences and penalties
The following offences apply to any person who:
- Not being registered exhibits or trains any performing animals;
or
- Being registered trains or exhibits any animal that is not
registered or in a manner that has not been registered;
- Obstructs or delays a local authority officer or a police
officer in the execution of his duties under the act as regards
entry and inspection;
- Conceals any animal with a view to avoiding such inspection
or
- Fails to produce a registration certificate when required to do
so
- Applies to be registered under this act when prohibited from
being registered
- The maximum penalty for any offence under the act is a fine of
£1,000.
Will tacit consent apply?
All Performing licence applications will be processed within 4
months of receipt of all the valid documentation and fees. If no
further contact is received from us within the stated timescale in
the application acknowledgement then tacit consent applies. Where
matters arise with regards to the application giving need for an
extension of the processing period the applicant / agent will be
notified.
Apply for a licence
To apply for a licence telephone or email us on the contact
details provided. You should be able to apply for the
following licence online later in 2010:
Application to register for the exhibition or training of
performing animals.
Application to change a performing animals registration.
Failed application redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health) in the instance.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health) in the instance
Other redress
A police officer or officer of the local authority may make a
complaint to the local magistrates' court if they feel that animals
have been subject to cruelty.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if
you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give
you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.