Animal welfare
The Council is responsible for issuing licences to animal establishments
within the Borough and can therefore act on reports of abuse, neglect
or concerns over animal welfare within these establishments
We can also investigate problems with odours, waste or contamination by animals within the borough but we are unable to address issues of animal welfare in private properties.
Dartford Borough Council now work closely with the RSPCA and similar Welfare organisations and alongside the Animal Welfare Act 1996 and Pet Animals Act 1951.
If you have concerns over animals being kept privately, the following organistaions will be able to help:
RSPCA
If you need to report an act of cruelty, neglect or concern about
the welfare of an animal, call the RSPCA's 24-hour national cruelty
and advice line on 0300 1234 999.
www.rspca.org.uk
Animal Samaritans
The aims of Animal Samaritans are to rescue, provide care and shelter for unwanted, abandoned, neglected or ill-treated animals and to provide new homes for them wherever possible. To assist owners of pets to meet veterinary fees where they are unable to meet such fees themselves.
NW Kent branch 01474 703542
www.animalsamaritans.org.uk
The type of premises which require licenses are:-
- Riding Establishments (per horse)
- Animal boarding establishments (Cat and Dog)
- Dog breeding establishments
- Pet shops
- Dangerous wild animals
- Zoos
Primarily the object is to protect the health safety and welfare of the animals concerned and ensure the conditions and accommodation they are held in is adequate
With regard to the Dangerous Wild Animals and Zoo licences, another prime requirement is to protect public safety and ensure the security of the animals.
Riding establishments are monitored to ensure all of the above conditions are in place as well as ensuring adequate rest for the horses.
Initially all new applications are inspected by the Authority's Veterinary Surgeon. Thereafter all licensed animal establishments within the Borough of Dartford are inspected twice yearly.
The Councils Veterinary Surgeon is required to conduct annual pre-licence inspections of all riding establishments and dangerous wild animals establishments.
Currently the Authority has no licensed Zoo within the Borough.
