Keeping or training animals for exhibition

If you wish to keep or train animals for exhibition “in the course of a business” within the Hastings Borough you will need a licence from us. The licence will specify the type and number of animals which may be used in relation to the licensable activity; general and specific conditions will be attached to the licence.

Keeping or training animals for exhibition in the course of a business for educational or entertainment purposes:

• to any audience attending in person, or
• by the recording of visual images of them by any form of technology that enables the display of such images.

All licences for keeping or training animals for exhibition will last for three years.

Eligibility criteria

Keeping or training animals for exhibition is licensed under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

In order to apply for a licence you must not have been disqualified from doing so under any legislation relating to animal welfare. You must also have not had a licence revoked under any legislation relating to animal welfare. For more information please read the Animal Welfare Act Regulations 2018 Eligibility Criteria.

DEFRA have produced Guidance notes for keeping or training animals for exhibition. If you are unsure if you need a licence or not, you should pay particular interest to the Introduction section, which includes advice about the business test and ‘in scope’ and ‘out of scope’ licensing criteria.

The new guidance is subject to change and DEFRA are issuing change logs as changes occur. It is therefore really important that you read the guidance notes below:

• Download the Exhibition of Animals Guidance (.pdf)

You must be able to meet and maintain a number of conditions. The conditions are available to download. You must read these thoroughly before applying to make sure your business can comply:

• Download the Exhibition of Animals Conditions (.pdf)

Do I need planning permission?

We strongly recommend that you contact our Planning team by email planning@hastings.gov.uk and check whether the licensable activity at the premises needs planning permission or not.

Application process and fee

The fee for this licence can be found on our Licensing fees page plus any actual vet costs if a veterinary inspection is required. The costs for this veterinary inspection are payable by the applicant/licence holder. This applies to veterinary inspections required during the application process and during the licence period.

A separate application (plus application fee) is required for each additional licensable activity.

How to apply

If you have read the guidance notes and the conditions available in the Eligibility Criteria section and feel that you can meet the required standards, then you can begin the application process.

• Download our Exhibition of Animals Application (.pdf)

You will need to pay the fees at the time of application. 

How to pay

• pay with a debit/credit card over the phone once you have posted or emailed your forms to us. Call 01424 451042
• pay with a debit/credit card at our main reception, Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings. TN34 3UY
• pay by cheque, attach it to your application and post it to our office at Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings. TN34 3UY

Once we receive your application we will send you an acknowledgement and you will be contacted to arrange an appointment for inspection in due course.

Inspections

An inspection will be carried out before the licence is granted. The inspector will be looking to make sure the applicant has the following:

• Specialist knowledge in the species that they are caring for and a clear understanding of its needs and welfare. This would include the animals’ mental and physical health, feeding and knowledge of environmental enrichment. The applicant should be able to demonstrate that they have researched and followed expert guidance in order to carry out their role.
• Comprehensive records that contain all the information required by the conditions that apply to their particular activities.
• An understanding of risks involved in caring for the animal, including an extensive risk assessment and written policies and procedures that are reviewed regularly. These documents should be available for the Inspector to examine.
• Training procedures in place to make sure staff know what is expected of them, and clear evidence of good supervision of staff.
• The premises itself will also be assessed so we can be sure the licence holder can meet the conditions relating to the physical environment in which the animals will be kept.
• All licences for keeping or training animals for exhibition will last for three years.

Full details of the licensing procedure can be found in the Procedural Guidance for Animal Activity Licensing (.pdf).

Tacit consent

Tacit Consent does not apply to keeping or training animals for exhibition.

It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Failed application Redress

Please email licensing@hastings.gov.uk in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

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 Gov.uk can offer advice on Consumer Rights.