An animal welfare licence is required if you keep or train animals for exhibition under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
This can include exhibitions to the public, performances or online displays.
Who needs a licence
You must have a licence if you carry out activities such as:
- keeping or training animals for exhibition to the public, in person or online
- using animals in exhibitions for educational or entertainment purposes
- taking animals to a live event such as fairs, weddings or private parties
- running mobile animal exhibits that visit schools or community events
- pony parties where ponies are not ridden
- using animals in films, television or online media
Businesses based outside of England must apply to the first council area where the animals will be kept or exhibited.
Find guidance about keeping or training animals for exhibitions licence on GOV.UK
Who doesn't need a licence
You do not need a licence if animals are exhibited as part of:
- a licensed zoo
- a licensed circus
- scientific procedures licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Other activities include:
- training or exhibiting animals for sport, such as horse racing or greyhound racing
- animal shows and competitions such as Crufts or trade fairs
- agents who organise exhibitions but do not own or train the animals themselves
- registered charities, unless they are operating the exhibition as a commercial event
See the DEFRA statutory guidance for detailed examples.
Before you apply
You must be at least 18 years old.
Only individuals can apply for an animal welfare licence.
Applications cannot be made by any individual who has:
- a special disqualification
- had certain licenses removed from them in the past
For information, see The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals (England) Regulations 2018.
You should also consider:
- whether you have the knowledge and experience to care for the animals properly
- the cost of providing suitable accommodation, food and veterinary care
- whether you have insurance to cover public liability and animal welfare
How to apply
To apply or renew your licence, you will need to complete and submit the application form.
Send your application to:
Email: Environmental.Health@cumberland.gov.uk
Costs and fees
Visit the Cumberland Council fees and charges webpage.
You can pay your notice fee by debit or credit card.
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
We no longer accept cheques or cash.
After you’ve applied
After receiving your application and payment:
- a licensing officer will arrange an inspection of your premises
- an inspector will check that accommodation, staffing, record-keeping and animal welfare standards are met
We will not grant a licence unless satisfied that:
- it is not contrary to the public interest in terms of safety or nuisance
- you are a suitable person to hold a licence and have adequate insurance
- animals will be kept in secure accommodation
- accommodation is suitable in terms of size, construction, temperature, lighting, ventilation, drainage and cleanliness
- you have plans for fire or other emergencies
- you can prevent and control the spread of disease
- animals will be suitably fed, watered and bedded
- animals are visited regularly and exercised
If your application is refused, you'll get a written notice. The fee will not be refunded. You can appeal to the Magistrates Court.
Your licence
If your application is approved, your licence will:
- be sent to you in the post
- last for 3 years depending on the star rating awarded
- include conditions set out in the 2018 Regulations
See the DEFRA specific conditions: keeping or training animals for exhibition.
Renewals
You must apply to renew your licence before it expires.
Renewals must include the correct fee and may require another inspection.
Offences and penalties
It is an offence to:
- exhibit or train animals for exhibition without a licence
- breach the conditions of a licence
Penalties can include a fine, imprisonment or both.