Local authorities have an enforcement role in laws which are designed to prevent, control and eradicate animal disease on farms and ensure the welfare of animals in transit. If diseases like rabies or anthrax were to break out in the area, we would have an important role in the emergency arrangements.

If you are thinking of buying a new pet from overseas you must follow the guidance for bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain on the Animal and Plant Health Agency website.

For more information on prevention and control of animal disease visit the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs website.

By 1st October 2024, you must register up to 49 poultry or other kept birds (it is already a legal requirement for keepers of 50+ birds). This also includes birds that are kept as pets.  Registration does not take long, you can register and find out further information at the link below:

Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Other webpages you may be interested in

• Dog and cat microchipping
• Horse passports (on the Gov.uk website)
• Livestock movements, identification and tracing
• Notifiable disease contingency plan
• Pest control information
• Pet pig owners and hobby farmers
• Rules for animal movements