Animal Welfare and Control

Small approved meat processing and slaughter facilities must apply to the local authority for an abattoir licence.

Local authorities regulate the slaughter of animals for human consumption in small abattoirs.

Local authorities may provide financial support to animal welfare groups to help with animal welfare activities.

Local authorities regulate the control of dangerous dogs and restricted breeds.

Local authorities may remove or arrange the removal of dead animals from public areas.

Local authorities enforce regulations on dog breeding businesses.

Local authorities maintain a public register of dog breeding businesses.

You must apply to the local authority for a licence if you wish to breed dogs as a business.

Local authorities may investigate complaints about dogs.

You must pay a dog fine to the local authority.

Local authorities may microchip dogs in the dog pound.

You can request to reclaim your seized dog from the dog pound.

Local authorities operate dog shelters to rehome dogs that have been delivered to the shelter.

Local authorities regulate small abattoirs and meat processing premises that supply meat for public consumption.

You must hold a valid licence if you manage a dog kennel with 20 or more dogs. You can apply to the local authority for an annual licence.

Local authorities may provide support to deal with rat or mice infestations in public areas that are a threat to public health.

Local authorities may seize stray dogs and take them to the dog pound or kennels to be reclaimed or rehomed.

Local authorities may arrange to seize stray horses on public land and take them to an animal pound to be reclaimed or rehomed.

From October 1st 2024, new regulations prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs.

Local authorities may test and monitor zoonoses such as bacteria, parasites and viruses which can transfer infectious diseases from animals to humans.