L12 - Legislation and Welfare Kennels and Catteries

Animal Boarding Establishment Regulations 1974

Regulations for Northern Ireland's boarding establishments.

Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963

Applies to licensed establishments in Scotland and Wales.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities) 2018

Regulations for animal welfare licensing in England.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities) 2021

Regulations for animal welfare licensing in Scotland.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities) 2021

Regulations for animal welfare licensing in Wales.

Animal Welfare Act 2006

Legal framework for animal welfare in boarding establishments.

Licence Requirement

Mandatory for businesses boarding dogs and cats.

Local Authority Application

Licences must be applied for through local authorities.

Display of Licence

Licences must be visibly displayed at the establishment.

Schedule 4: Part 1-4

Specific provisions for dog and cat boarding.

Home Boarding

Legally recognized for the first time in 2018 regulations.

Day Care

Legally recognized for the first time in 2018 regulations.

Puppy Farming

Illegal breeding practices targeted by updated regulations.

Illegal Puppy Trade

Prohibited practice addressed by recent legislation.

Suitable Environment Provision

Requirement for adequate living conditions for boarded animals.

Monitoring of Behaviour

Regular assessment of animal behavior and training.

Record Keeping

Mandatory documentation of animal care and welfare.

Protection from Pain

Ensuring animals are safeguarded against suffering and injury.

Application Form Sections 1-6

Basic information required for licence application.

Section 5 Requirement

Maximum number of animals must be specified.

Section 7 Documentation

Requires extensive supporting documents, including floor plans.

HMRC Registration

Business must be registered with HMRC for licence.

Minor Differences

Legislation varies slightly by country within the UK.

Lighting Review

Assessment of lighting conditions for animal welfare.

Heating Review

Evaluation of heating systems for animal comfort.

Ventilation Review

Analysis of air circulation in animal facilities.

Water Supply Review

Inspection of accessible and clean water sources.

Risk Assessment

Evaluation of potential hazards in animal care.

Evacuation Plan

Strategy for safely removing animals in emergencies.

Health Plan

Document outlining animal health management strategies.

Disposal of Excreta

Methods for safe waste management in facilities.

Noise Minimization Proposal

Strategies to reduce noise affecting animal welfare.

Public Liability Insurance

Insurance protecting against claims of negligence.

Disqualifications Declaration

Disclosure of any legal disqualifications or convictions.

Supporting Documentation

Additional materials required for licensing applications.

Animal Activity Star Rating System

Rating system for animal care facilities' standards.

Higher Standards

Optional criteria for achieving better licensing ratings.

Minimum Standards

Essential requirements all businesses must meet.

Longer Licence Duration

Extended licensing period for higher-rated facilities.

Inspection Frequency

Regular checks by authorities post-licensing.

Veterinary Role

Responsibilities of vets during inspections and applications.

Sample Processing

Taking samples for testing upon authority request.

Licence Fees for Dogs

Costs associated with dog-related licensing applications.

Licence Fees for Cats

Costs associated with cat-related licensing applications.

Statutory Guidance

Official instructions for local authorities on licensing.

Local Authority Inspections

Evaluations conducted by local authorities for compliance.

Local Authority (LA)

Government body overseeing animal welfare inspections.

Veterinary Surgeon

Professional providing health guidance and assessments.

Welfare Considerations

Factors affecting animal well-being in care facilities.

Kennel Syndrome

Condition caused by stress in confined dogs.

Five Freedoms

Framework for assessing animal welfare needs.

Freedom from Hunger

Access to adequate food and water.

Freedom from Discomfort

Provision of a suitable living environment.

Freedom from Pain

Absence of injury and disease.

Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour

Ability to engage in natural activities.

Freedom from Fear

Protection from distress and anxiety.

Physiological Indicators

Biological measures reflecting animal health status.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary physiological responses.

Direct Measures

Immediate physiological responses like heart rate.

Indirect Measures

Long-term physiological changes like adrenal enzyme levels.

Measurement Error

Inaccuracies in data collection during assessments.

Behavioural Observation

Monitoring actions to assess animal welfare.

Fearful Behaviour

Responses indicating stress and anxiety in animals.

Self-Mutilation

Injurious behaviour stemming from anxiety or stress.

Weight Loss

Physiological response to prolonged stress exposure.

Loose Faeces

Sign of stress affecting digestive health.

Paw-Lifting

Appeasement gesture indicating anxiety or fear.

Shivering and Trembling

Physical signs of high psychological stress.

Environmental Impact on Welfare

Influence of surroundings on animal health.

Coprophagy

Consumption of feces indicating nutritional imbalance or boredom.

Sore Feet

Pain from wet floors or intense activity.

High Vocalisation

Barking or whining indicating frustration or distress.

Kennel Chewing

Coping mechanism for confinement or distress.

Repetitive Behaviour

Actions like pacing or spinning due to stress.

Increased Activity

Heightened movement possibly indicating anxiety.

Decreased Activity

Lack of movement leading to learned helplessness.

Fear Aggression

Aggressive behavior stemming from fear.

Self-Mutilation

Over-grooming due to stress or anxiety.

Body Language

Eyes and ears indicators of cat emotions.

Habituation

Adjustment to stimuli, reducing effectiveness over time.

Exercise Benefits

Reduces stereotypical behaviors and promotes welfare.

Human Interaction

Regular engagement improves animal welfare significantly.

Classical Music

Shown to reduce stress in dogs and cats.

Audiobooks

Can reduce stress when combined with music.

Olfactory Stimulation

Use of scents like lavender for relaxation.

Social Contact

Off-lead play enhances dog welfare and social skills.

Toys and Food Enrichment

Safe, engaging items to maintain animal interest.

Hiding Places

Essential for cats to feel secure and safe.

High Areas

Elevated spaces provide comfort for fearful cats.

Welfare Constraints

Time, money, and facility type affect animal care.

Legislative Considerations

Regulations governing kennels and catteries must be understood.