In December 2015, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs launched a widespread consultation on the review of animal establishments licensing in England; closely followed by Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Select Committee inquiry at the start of 2016 into animal welfare: domestic pets.

The AWF Discussion Forum provides delegates with a chance to discuss the current animal establishments legislation, enforcement and Local Authorities’ role and responsibilities, and what the future of animal establishments licensing could or should look like. It will also consider the role of vets in the consultation process and how they can make the best of proposed regulations. The ‘On the pulse’ session will be led by Principal Environment Health Officer and Chair of the National Companion Animal Forum Mark Berry and British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Gudrun Ravetz. Mark said:

“Current animal licensing regulations are outdated, in some cases over 60 years, and don’t reflect fully the types of animal-related businesses or new standards of good practice in animal welfare. The current process of updating animal licensing regulations is a unique opportunity for DEFRA and relevant stakeholders to influence the future of welfare. It’s a chance to create a new framework that supports local authorities to manage licensing in a way that promotes high standards of welfare. I hope that the input from an audience of vet professionals and those that work with animals will generate a useful discussion that brings fresh insights to the problems as we address questions such as how risk will be assessed under the proposed new regulations.”

Gudrun Ravetz said:

“Year on year, the Discussion Forum examines the key issues at the forefront of animal welfare and so I’m pleased animal establishment licensing has been chosen for On the Pulse. Animal establishment licensing is an important topic for animal welfare and its inclusion at the Discussion Forum provides a great opportunity for it to be examined under a spotlight by those who work with the legislation on a daily basis.”