Animal welfare complaints
South Norfolk and Broadland District Council investigate complaints regarding businesses that are, or should be, licensed. Licensed businesses include:
- Pet Shops (that sell animals)
- Dog Kennels or Catteries
- Home Boarders
- Dog Day Care
- Dog Breeders
- Horse Riding Premises (that allow people to ride horses for a reward e.g. money or payment in kind)
- Animal Exhibitors (businesses that show animals to the public, some petting farms, pony parties, allowing dogs to perform in a show)
- Dangerous Wild Animal (keeping animals that are dangerous e.g. Lion, Crocodile, Gorilla, Wild Boar etc)
- Zoos
If you have an animal welfare concern regarding a business that is or should be licensed because contact foodandsafety@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk who can pass on your concern to the relevant officer.
Not all complaints will be investigated. The Council’s response will be informed by the severity of the allegation, the premises compliance history and the Council’s available resources. If your request for service falls outside the Council’s regulatory remit, you will be advised of the appropriate enforcing authority. Legitimate service requests not requiring an urgent response will be held on file and reviewed during the licence application/renewal process, or if further complaints are received.
Frequently asked questions:
Yes, if you have any information you should report by contacting foodandsafety@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
If you’re considering buying a puppy from a licensed or unlicensed breeder, please consider “Lucy’s Law” which helps to protect animal welfare and prevent puppy farms.
On 6 April 2020, the The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 known in short as 'Lucy's Law' made it unlawful for the sales of puppies and kittens (under six months in both cases) to be undertaken by anyone other than the breeder or pet rescue centre. For more information see What to Consider When Buying a Puppy - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk Also see GOV.UK - Lucy's Law spells the beginning of the end for puppy farming.
Currently you do not require a dog breeding license to breed 1 litter however if it’s your intention to breed dogs at a level as a commercial activity you would require a licence. Please contact foodandsafety@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk to discuss your plans in more detail with an officer.
No, South Norfolk and Broadland Councils do not investigate complaints of animal abuse/neglect in a domestic home. If you have concerns for pet animals you should contact RSPCA - Report cruelty or an animal in distress.
No, South Norfolk and Broadland Councils do not investigate complaints of abuse or neglect of farm animals. If you suspect that farmed animals may be diseased, abused, neglected, or otherwise suffering, contact Norfolk County Council Trading Standards. See Citizens Advice - Reporting to Trading Standards.