Consultation on proposed Animal Welfare Licensing Policy

Mid Devon District Council are currently consulting on an update to the Animal Welfare Licensing Policy.

This Policy covers premises such as:

• Animal Boarding Establishments for dogs and cats
  
  
• Dog Breeding
  
  
• Pet Shops
  
  
• Riding Establishments
  
  
• Keeping or training animals for exhibition
  
  
• Dangerous wild animals
  
  
• Zoos

The proposed Policy can be viewed in full here: Proposed Animal Welfare Licensing Policy

Proposed changes to Policy

We are not proposing significant changes and for this reason we are running a 6 week consultation. The main changes include:

• Adding information about the business test
  
  
• Rewording the section about notifications (i.e. cautions and arrests)
  
  
• Clarification that if a renewal application is not received in good time, and therefore not processed prior to expiry of the existing licence, the business cannot operate until that renewal has then been processed / issued
  
  
• Clarification that the Council does not believe a ‘variation’ process can be used to transfer a licence to a new owner
  
  
• Adding information about improvement notices

Consultation dates and comments

The consultation will run from 1 September 2025 and the closing date for comments is 12 October 2025.

Any comments should be sent in writing to licensing@middevon.gov.uk OR Licensing Team, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6PP.  All respondents should provide their name, address, and details of the body that they represent (if relevant).

What happens after the consultation period?

All relevant responses will be considered prior to the adoption of the final Policy.