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West Lindsey working for you and your pets

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Photograph of a dog in a kennel or shelter stood on plenty of bedding.

Pet ownership has risen dramatically during the pandemic with some estimates showing a 19% increase, with those aged between 21-35 years most likely to have purchased a new family pet.

West Lindsey District Council’s Licensing Team put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes, ensuring that the pets you buy are healthy and bought from a legitimate breeder. Also, that when you use a kennels or cattery you can do so knowing that it is a safe and secure environment for your pet to stay. 

Kim Enderby, Senior Licensing Officer for West Lindsey District Council and his colleague Tracy Gavins, a Licensing Enforcement Officer, are regularly out across the district investigating reports.

He said:

“Every report we get from the public is investigated, we gather all available evidence and then will go and visit the site where the unlicensed activity is supposed to be taking place. Anyone found to be offering services such as a cattery or dog boarding kennels without a licence, could, if convicted face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.”

“If any members of the public have concerns about someone they think are operating an unlicensed animal boarding business I would encourage them to get in touch with my team and tell us about it. All information we receive is treated in strict confidence and we rely on the public sharing this kind of information with us to carry out effective enforcement”

An animal welfare licence is required for the following type of business:

  • providing boarding for cats
  • providing boarding in kennels for dogs
  • providing home boarding for dogs
  • providing day care for dogs
  • breeding dogs
  • hiring out horses
  • keeping or training animals for exhibition
  • selling animals as pets

We carry out regular inspections of licensed premises and follow up on complaints raised by the public about premises that are operating that may not be licensed. 

Councillor Owen Bierley, Leader of West Lindsey District Council is very proud of the hard work the Licensing Team in the authority does. He said:

“We provide a wide variety of services to the public and we want to raise awareness of all that we do offer. This work carried out by our Licensing Team ensures that public concerns are quickly and effectively addressed. 

“They support legitimate businesses by targeting those attempting to operate without a licence and reassure the public that they can use licenced businesses of this kind in West Lindsey with confidence. 

“The Licensing Team are also there to offer advice and support – so please contact the team if you are unsure whether you require a licence or not. They are always happy to speak with you and offer their expert advice.”

The Licensing Team can be contacted by calling 01427 676676 or by emailing them at licensing@west-lindsey.gov.uk. You can also find out more by visiting our licensing page.

For the latest news on West Lindsey District Council visit our council news pages

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