FOI request (FOIR-113636650)

Council inspections of premises, businesses and animal welfare.

Requested Thu 11 April 2019
Responded Wed 24 April 2019

I wish to know of all councils whether or not you conduct any regular inspections of hunts in your area. Please answer the following specific questions:

As most hunts are now registered limited companies, are they subjected to business tax and business records inspections by the council, if not who conducts these inspections?

Does the council conduct inspections of the premises of these businesses and for what reasons, if not why not?

Does the council inspect planning permission for hound kennels, if not why not?

Does the council inspect the kennels for correct accommodation suitability and conditions for keeping hounds. If not why not?

Does the council inspect (with the correct trained member of staff) the hounds for health and welfare. If not why not?

Does the council inspect premises and the practises of hunts in regards to disposal of waste using drains and water courses. If not why not?

Does the council inspect hunts to check they adhere to regulations regarding the proper disposal of hound carcases and farm animal carcases used to feed hounds. If not why not?

Are hunting hounds ever checked for health (potential diseases) before they attend events which bring them in to direct contact with the public, such as Boxing Day meets, country shows and primary school visits which risk spreading diseases (particularly to the old and young). If not why not?

Are hunts inspected to ensure that they are following health and safety codes in the work place and when out in public, including COSHH certificates for any substance used on site or for trails? If not why not?

Given the recent prosecution of William Pinkney (Carmarthenshire Hunt) and the case of hounds with TB at Kimblewick hunt a while ago, the public need to know what is happening with their local hunts regarding these matters and to feel that regulations that should be adhered to are being enforced and checked regularly by authorities.

FYI I include some information on disease in hounds, health and safety codes and the recent expose of the disgraceful and unsafe behaviour of the Carmarthenshire hunt operative.

Please reply within two weeks of receiving my FOI requests.

University of Edinburgh publish report on Kimblewick Hunt bovine tuberculosis

Huntsman in court over gruesome kennel conditions

Foxhounds and bovine TB edges (finally) into the news

Hunting hounds pose 'significant' risk

HSE: Information about health and safety at work

Response

We have no hunts operating within Hastings Borough Council area, therefore the answer to all questions is no.