Agenda item - Pet Vending - Model Licensing Conditions

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Agenda item

Pet Vending - Model Licensing Conditions

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached)

Minutes:

17.1    The Committee considered a report of Director of Public Health outlining the results of the consultation required as a result of the recommendations made by the Committee at its meeting of 26 June 2014.

 

17.2    At that time the Committee had:

 

·         Noted that progress had been made regarding the possible use of the CIEH published Model Licence Conditions for Pet Vending and that the issue warranted further discussion and consultation;

 

·         Noted that progress had been made regarding the possible mandatory distribution of the EMODE leaflet to prospective pet shop customers and that the issue further warranted discussion and consultation;

 

·         Directed officers to consult further on the EMODE leaflet, to explore whether objections from all trade bodies could be satisfied; that a full review be conducted, and that this item be brought back to the scheduled November 2014 Licensing Committee (Non Licensing Act 2003 Functions) for full discussion';

 

·         Noted the work done in the use of CIEH model licence conditions for pet vending; and

 

·       Had requested that further research be done into how these proposed changes would improve/not improve the lives of animals in the pet trade, and as such, that the item is brought back post-publication of the review for full discussion at the next scheduled meeting of the Committee in November 2014.

 

17.3    Following that meeting and as a result of the Committee decision of 26 June a number of work streams had been developed. Officers had consulted with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the RSPCA, the Animal Protection Agency, The Pet Federation Agency, Pet Shops, Animal Sanctuaries and the general public. The results of that consultation and the rationale for the recommendations were set out in the report, the supporting appendices detailed further consultation undertaken and responses received.

 

17.4    Councillor Lepper stated that she considered the recommendations represented a reasonable response in view of the current position and fully supported them.

 

17.5    Councillor Randall noted the concerns and objections received from the RSPCA and sought confirmation regarding whether they had given any indication as to how they would be carrying their own work in terms of encouraging better practice forward and when that was likely to come on stream. Notwithstanding the current position he was also of the view that it was important to continue to keep up the pressure to ensure that all pet vending establishments aspired to and maintained the highest standards and sought to ensure that all potential pet owners were fully aware of their responsibilities in caring for an animal.

 

17.6    Councillor Robins referred to the EMODE matrix stating that whilst happy to support the report recommendations’ he still considered that the grid used was very confusing as in some instances the same animal, e.g., cats/ dogs could appear at different points being classed both as both ”easy” and “moderately difficult”.

 

17.7    Councillor C Theobald stated that it was important that potential purchasers/owners were given the correct information and support.  

 

17.8    RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee does not agree the use of this version of the new CIEH published model licence conditions 2013 for Pets Vending; and

 

(2) That Committee agree that pet shops be encouraged to stock and distribute the EMODE leaflet to prospective customers on a voluntary basis.

Supporting documents:

 


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