Environment

In the aftermath of the Foot and Mouth outbreak a rigorous regime of licensing which controls the movement of a range of animals has been introduced. The most common animals whose movements have to be licensed are sheep, pigs and cows. There is also legislation that requires premises such as pet shops, animal boarding establishments and those holding certain types of dangerous animals to be licensed by the Council.

The Animal Health Inspectors make regular inspections of farms, slaughterhouses and animal transporters to ensure high standards of animal welfare. The officers are also responsible for licensing pet shops, dog breeding establishments and the keeping of dangerous wild animals. If you suspect that farm animals or animals in pet shops are being subjected to unnecessary suffering or cruelty, the animal health inspectors will investigate. We do not, however, deal with domestic pet animal suffering or cruelty. This is dealt with by the RSPCA.

The movement of farm animals is strictly controlled in order to prevent the spread of diseases. Animal movements are controlled by licences and these licences can be obtained from your local DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) office, or the DEFRA website.

Animals in the Cold

Anyone who keeps animals has a responsibility to ensure they are properly cared for and that they have food, water and shelter. Pet animals that are kept indoors should not need any additional care though dog walkers may need to take extra precautions, if only for their own safety.

• Horses: These are often seen tethered at the roadside or on patches of open land. In severe weather it is important that horses have access to suitable shelter and an adequate supply of food and water. If you have concerns about the welfare of tethered horses contact the Police Horsewatch on 101 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 info@rspca-bradford.org.uk or Horses@bradford.gov.uk
  
• Farm Animals: If animals can’t be housed inside, it is important to ensure they have adequate food and that drinking water is available. This may mean taking supplementary feed out to animals and ensuring that ice on water troughs is broken up so animals can get a drink. If water pipes are frozen alternative means of getting water to the animals must be considered. Further information is available through Defra www.defra.gov.uk following the link for farm animals or contact Bradford Council’s Animal Health Inspectors on 01274 434629 during office hours or animalhealth@bradford.gov.uk