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UK Statutory Instrument
2018
England
Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
61 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides · 3 journeys
Penalty landscape
1 of 61 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 60 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Licence Holder 44
- Any Person 4
- Operator 2
Plus 11 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Supporting — topic alignment
2 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Licence Holders also bound by 221 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Petroleum (Current Model Clauses) Order 1999 1999 317 duties
- The Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004 2004 123 duties
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 76 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 68 duties
- The Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1991 1991 65 duties
Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 169 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 144 duties
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 101 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 95 duties
Operators also bound by 730 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air Operations) 2012 138 duties
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 of 19 December 2018 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 (Text with EEA relevance) 2018 121 duties
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance) (repealed) 2012 112 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 75 duties
- Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (Text with EEA relevance) 2016 66 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part 1 — Introduction
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Title, commencement and application
Interpretation
Licensing of operators
Part 2 — Grant, renewal and variation with consent of a licence and inspection of premises
Browse 11 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Conditions of grant or renewal of a licence
Period of licence
Power to take samples from animals
Duty to assist in the taking of samples from animals
Hiring out horses: requirement for annual inspection of premises
Variation of a licence on the application, or with the consent, of a licence holder
Inspector's report
Persons who may not apply for a licence
Death of a licence holder
Fees
Guidance
Part 3 — Enforcement and notices
Browse 9 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Grounds for suspension, variation without consent or revocation of a licence
Procedure for suspension or variation without consent
Reinstatement of a suspended licence by a local authority
Notice of revocation
Obstruction of inspectors
Offences
Powers of entry
Post-conviction powers
Notices
Part 4 — Appeals
Browse 1 other section in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Appeals
Part 5 — Repeals, revocations and consequential amendments
Browse 2 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Repeals and consequential amendments
Revocations and consequential amendments
Part 6 — Transitional and saving provisions
Browse 1 other section in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Transitional and saving provisions
Part 7 — Review and provision of information to the Secretary of State
Browse 2 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Review
Provision of information to the Secretary of State
Schedules
Licensable activities
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must apply the 'business test' to animal activities Local authority
The circumstances which a local authority must take into account...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authority must consider profit motive when determining business activity for animal licensing Local authority
General conditions
- Comply with general animal welfare licensing conditions Licence Holder
Licence display
- Display your animal activities licence prominently on premises and website Licence Holder
Emergencies
- Have a written emergency plan and keep animals safe Any Person
Records
- Keep records available for inspection for at least three years Licence Holder
Use, number and type of animal
- Only use animals specified in licence and keep numbers reasonable Licence Holder
Staffing
- Provide sufficient competent staff and written training policy Licence Holder
Suitable environment
- Provide a safe, species-appropriate environment for all animals Licence Holder
Suitable diet
- Provide suitable diet and drinking water for animals Licence Holder
Monitoring of behaviour and training of animals
- Monitor animal behaviour, provide enrichment and exercise, and train humanely Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Protect animals from pain, suffering, injury and disease Licence Holder
Specific conditions: selling animals as pets
- Maintain a sales register and follow pet advertising rules Licence Holder
Records and advertisements
- Keep animal records, label sick animals, and include licence details in adverts Licence Holder
Prospective sales: pet care and advice
- Provide prospective animal owners with proper care information and advice Licence Holder
Suitable accommodation
- Keep animals in accommodation that minimises stress and is secure Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Ensure animals for sale are healthy and transported safely Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Implement a vet-approved preventative healthcare plan for boarded dogs Licence Holder
Suitable environment
- Provide a suitable environment for each boarded dog Any Person
Monitoring of behaviour and training
- Provide safe equipment, daily exercise, and mental stimulation for dogs Licence Holder
Housing with or apart from other dogs
- Get written consent to house dogs together and manage interactions Licence Holder
Records
- Keep detailed records of all dogs and ensure dogs wear ID tags Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Clean equipment before admitting dogs and implement a preventative healthcare plan Licence Holder
Suitable environment
- Provide a suitable environment for all cats in your care Licence Holder
No overnight stay
- Do not keep any dog on the premises overnight Licence Holder
Monitoring of behaviour and training
- Screen dogs before admission and ensure safe equipment and toys Licence Holder
Records
- Maintain a register of dogs and provide identification when off premises Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Supervise dogs, implement vet health plan, minimise travel time Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Protect boarding cats from pain, suffering, injury and disease Licence Holder
Suitable environment
- Provide a suitable environment for dogs in kennels Licence Holder
Monitoring of behaviour and training
- Provide safe toys, enrichment, exercise and hiding areas for dogs Licence Holder
Specific conditions: hiring out horses
- Maintain welfare, insurance, and safety standards for hiring out horses Licence Holder
Eligibility
- Hold relevant qualifications/experience and public liability insurance for hiring out horses Licence Holder
Supervision
- Must not leave animal activities unsupervised by under-18s Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Keep horses healthy, fit, and suitable for hired work Licence Holder
Equipment
- Ensure equipment provided to clients is safe and available for inspection Licence Holder
Specific conditions: breeding dogs
- Comply with dog breeding, sales, and welfare standards Licence Holder
Advertisements and sales
- Comply with rules for advertising and selling dogs Licence Holder
Suitable environment
- Provide suitable environment for breeding dogs Licence Holder
Monitoring of behaviour and training
- Implement a socialisation programme and care for puppies and dogs Licence Holder
Housing with or apart from other dogs
- Provide proper housing conditions for dogs, including social contact and handling Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Ensure health and welfare of dogs and comply with breeding and record-keeping rules Licence Holder
Specific conditions: keeping or training animals for exhibition
- Comply with licensing conditions for exhibiting or training animals Licence Holder
Insurance
- Hold valid public liability insurance for animal exhibition activities Licence Holder
Suitable environment
- Provide suitable temporary accommodation for exhibited animals Licence Holder
Monitoring of behaviour and training
- Train animals using positive reinforcement with competent staff Licence Holder
Housing with or apart from other animals
- Manage animal welfare during exhibitions to prevent stress, aggression and harm Operator
Records
- Keep a record of all animals used for exhibition and notify local authority of changes Licence Holder
Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Protect exhibited animals from pain, suffering, injury and disease Licence Holder
Browse 70 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Keeping or training animals for exhibition in the course of...
The activity described in paragraph 10 does not include—
Selling animals as pets (or with a view to their...
The activity described in paragraph 2 does not include—
Providing or arranging for the provision of accommodation for other...
The activity described in paragraph 4 does not include keeping...
Hiring out horses in the course of a business for...
The activity described in paragraph 6 does not include any...
Either or both of the following— (a) breeding three or...
The activity described in paragraph 8 does not include—
Animal handling and interactions
Interpretation
Purchase and Sale of animals
Specific conditions: providing boarding for cats or dogs
Interpretation
Interpretation
Home
Suitable diet
Interpretation
Suitable environment
Suitable diet
Housing apart from other dogs
Monitoring of behaviour and training of cats
Records
Interpretation
Records
Interpretation
Suitable environment
Suitable diet
Suitable diet
Emergencies
Persons who may not apply for a licence
A person who has at any time held a licence...
A person who is disqualified under section 6(2) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 3(3) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 4(3) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 3(3) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 5(3) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 1(1) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 4(2) of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 3 of the...
A person who has at any time held a licence...
A person who has at any time held a licence...
A person who is disqualified under section 33 of the...
A person who has at any time held a licence...
A person who is disqualified under section 34 of the...
A person who is disqualified under section 40(1) and (2)...
A person who is disqualified under section 4(1) of the...
A person who is disqualified under Article 33A of the...
Repeals and consequential amendments
Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925
Breeding of Dogs Act 1991
Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999
Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000
Courts Act 2003
Criminal Justice Act 2003
Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008
Deregulation Act 2015
Pet Animals Act 1951
Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
Riding Establishments Act 1964
Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
Local Government Act 1974
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
Zoo Licensing Act 1981
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Revocations and consequential amendments
Performing Animals Rules 1925
Sale of Dogs (Identification Tag) Regulations 1999
Breeding of Dogs (Licensing Records) Regulations 1999
Other sections — not classified into a Part
These sections sit outside the numbered Parts — usually provisions added or moved by later amendments.
Conditions of grant or renewal of a licence
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must inspect premises and decide on licence applications Local authority
Duty to assist in the taking of samples from animals
- Assist inspectors with animal identification and sampling Operator
Hiring out horses: requirement for annual inspection of premises
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authority must appoint a vet for annual horse hiring inspections Local authority
Inspector's report
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authority must arrange and submit an inspector's report Local authority
Death of a licence holder
- Notify the local authority of a licence holder's death Any Person
Fees
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities may charge fees for animal activity licensing Local authority
Guidance
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must follow government guidance on animal licensing Local authority
Procedure for suspension or variation without consent
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authority must follow strict procedures to suspend or vary a licence Local authority
Reinstatement of a suspended licence by a local authority
Unlimited fineOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authority must reinstate a suspended licence once issues are fixed Local authority
Notice of revocation
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authority must provide formal notice when revoking a licence Local authority
Obstruction of inspectors
- Do not obstruct animal welfare inspectors Any Person
Provision of information to the Secretary of State
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must report licensing data to the Secretary of State Local authority
Browse 17 other sections
Title, commencement and application
Interpretation
Licensing of operators
Period of licence
Power to take samples from animals
Variation of a licence on the application, or with the consent, of a licence holder
Persons who may not apply for a licence
Grounds for suspension, variation without consent or revocation of a licence
Offences
Powers of entry
Post-conviction powers
Notices
Appeals
Repeals and consequential amendments
Revocations and consequential amendments
Transitional and saving provisions
Review
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. Sets environmental policy and works with agencies …
Connected legislation
parent Act
These instruments amend, apply, or refer to this Act. They may not all create direct business obligations.
Made under
Animal Welfare Act 2006 2006 Primary Act
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Browse legislation
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Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.