We are concerned with many aspects of animal welfare, including:
- The control of stray dogs under the Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Noise control under the EPA 1990 (barking dogs and other animal noise)
- Dogs Act 1871
- Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- Public Spaces Protection Orders
- Anti Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014
- Protection of Animals Act 1911
We also licence animal related businesses i.e. Catteries, Home boarding of dogs, Zoos etc as well as issuing Dangerous Wild Animal licences. Further information can be found on our Animal Licensing webpage.
Cruelty to animals
If you suspect an animal is being subjected to any form of cruelty contact the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)or call the National Cruelty Helpline 0300 1234 999.
Stray dogs
- Find out more about stray dogs and other animals and how to report them.
XL Bully dogs
- As of 1 February 2024 the XL Bully was added to the Dangerous Dogs list. It is now a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certification of Exemption. Further information can be found on our dedicated page.
Captive Birds
- Did you know that if you are a keeper of birds you may need to register them with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)?
- As of 1 October 2024 anyone that keeps up to 49 birds (including pets) now, by law, needs to register them with the APHA. More guidance, including information about any exemptions, and the link to the register can be found on the .Gov website.
