South Hams residents are being asked for their views on how the district council should regulate businesses working with animals.

A consultation has opened on a new draft Animal Licensing Policy, with the public able to comment on the 27-page document until October 30, 2026.

The survey asks people what they like about the proposed policy, what they believe is missing and whether they have any other comments.

The policy sets out how South Hams District Council will use its existing legal powers to licence and regulate activities including dog breeding, pet sales, dog boarding and day care, cat boarding, horse riding establishments and animal exhibitions.

It also incorporates newer legislation covering the licensing of privately kept primates, alongside existing rules governing dangerous wild animals and zoos, following the introduction of primate regulations which came into force in April 2025.

For residents, the policy is less about regulating ordinary pet ownership and more about how the council should deal with licensed animal businesses and activities.

The draft sets out how applications will be assessed, including whether an operator is considered a “fit and proper” person.

This can include previous licensing history, relevant convictions, and information from organisations including police, veterinary practices, the RSPCA and Kennel Club.

It also places specific emphasis on safeguarding where licensed activities involve children or vulnerable people, with applicants expected to have safeguarding policies, staff training and procedures for vetting people who have unsupervised contact with them.

According to the proposal, the council can refuse, suspend, vary or revoke licences if requirements are not met, or animal welfare is at risk.

The draft also allows for enforcement action against unlicensed businesses and says body-worn cameras may be used during certain inspections or investigations.

The policy states that licensing decisions should ultimately protect animal welfare by applying the “five needs” set out in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including suitable accommodation and diet, protection from pain and disease, appropriate companionship and the ability to exhibit normal behaviour.

Cllr Denise O’Callaghan, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Health, said: “The Animal Licensing policy helps explain how we make decisions when someone applies for a licence.

“It covers a wide range of animal-related activities, from pet sales and dog breeding to animal boarding, riding establishments, zoos and other specialist licences.

“Our aim is to keep animal welfare at the centre of the process and make sure decisions are fair, clear and consistent.

“We want the policy to be easy to understand, so we’re asking residents, licence holders and other interested groups to share their views.”