Animal welfare
The council's Regulatory Services help and advise
farmers in complying with the law. We do this by:
- Monitoring animal movements by licence.
- Checking movement and associated records on farms.
- Monitor welfare standards of animal which are kept on farm, or are in transit or exposed for sale in livestock markets.
- The carcase of any animal found on agricultural premises has to be disposed of in compliance with strict rules: we monitor that these rules are complied with.
- We are also responsible for planning for Rabies, Foot and Mouth and Bird Flu outbreaks. This work is shared with other agencies including Defra and the Health Protection Agency, so as to ensure that comprehensive controls are in place to prevent the introduction of and control the spread of animal health diseases.
- Investigate complaints relating to livestock movements or welfare issues.
- We also hold supplies of the main statutory records movement documents you are required to keep and complete. You can contact us directly to obtain these contact Animal Health on 01244 976767
If you need more detailed information on meeting your legal obligations or indeed any practical assistance or advice follow visit:
You can also phone Defra direct for further information on the following matters:
- Animal health and welfare - telephone: 01772 8 61144
- All other agricultural matters - telephone: 01270 7 54000
- British cattle movement service - telephone: 01900 7 02222
- Fallen stock scheme - telephone: 01270 6 19077
Animal registration and licences
Cheshire West and Chester Council licenses all animal boarding kennels, pet shops, riding schools and zoos annually, for which there is a charge - find out more information by using the animal registration and licences page.
Animal remains
The Council provides a free service for the removal of dead animals from all public space. We do not remove dead animals from private property
- Telephone: 0300 123 8 123.
Barking dogs
The Council may become involved if a persistently barking dog becomes disturbing or annoying for neighbours. Often the problem occurs when the dog's owner is out of the house, so the owner may be unaware that their pet is causing a nuisance.
If an informal visit to the householder with a noisy dog does not prevent significant disturbance, the Council is obliged to consider what further action can be taken.
Cruelty to animals - who should you call?
To report a mistreated, neglected, injured or distressed animal please contact the RSPCA cruelty line by telephone: 0300 1234 999. This is a 24-hour service.
Dangerous animals
You may need a licence to keep certain dangerous wild animals. To apply or for further information contact the Council's Regulatory Services Team on
- Telephone: 01244 976767
- Email animalhealth@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Further information: DEFRA website
- Dangerous dogs should be reported to Cheshire Police
- Telephone: 0845 458 0000
Help for farmers
Confidential help for the farming community is available from -
- Rural stress information network - telephone: 024 7641
2916
opening hours - weekdays 9am - 5pm - Royal agricultural benevolent fund - telephone: 01865 727
888
opening hours - weekdays 9am - 5pm / 4.30pm Friday - Farm crisis network - telephone: 07002 326 326
opening hours - 7pm to 10pm daily
Stray and abandoned dogs
Dogs should not be allowed to roam unsupervised in public. Legally the dog warden can seize any dog that is found alone in a public area. If the dog can be identified by a tag or other form of identification it will, if possible, be returned to the owner and a warning issued. For more information see the stray and abandoned dogs pages.