Unlicensed premises
If you think someone is running an animal establishment without a licence, or if you are concerned about the welfare of animals at a licensed establishment, please contact our Environmental Health team:
Licences can be issued for a period of either one, two or three years depending on the risk rating and level of compliance. This also corresponds with the star rating for the establishment.
The procedural guidance describes the risk-based system that must be used when issuing licences under the Regulations (with the exception of 'Keeping or Training Animals for Exhibition' where all licences are issued for three years).
Use of this system determines both the length of the licence and the star rating that will be awarded. Local authorities in England are expected to follow it in full.
Welfare standards / risk scoring matrix
| Minor failings * | Minimum standards ** | Higher standards ** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk |
1 Star 1-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 12-month period |
3 Star 2-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 24-month period |
5 Star 3-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 36-month period |
| Higher risk |
1 Star 1-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 12-month period |
2 Star 1-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 12-month period |
4 Star 2-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 24-month period |
* existing business that are failing to meet minimum standards
** as laid down in the schedule and guidance
The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published Animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities to assist in assessing the regulations, which are available to be downloaded.