THE owners of a family-run dog and cat boarding business have been told to improve their operations and service if they want their licence to be renewed.
The Phoenix Boarding Kennels & Cattery at Mill Lane, Hawkeridge, Westbury, failed an inspection after being asked to renew a licence that was due to expire at the end of March this year.
Wiltshire Council decided not to issue the new licence after inspecting the kennels and finding they did not meet the requirements of government legislation.
A member of the family running the business confirmed that the licence has not been renewed, saying: “We have not got our licence back yet.”
Wiltshire Council said it has only received one complaint about the boarding kennels and cattery since 2018 when new animal welfare regulations were introduced.
On its website, the Phoenix Boarding Kennels & Cattery says it is family-run business with over 30 years' experience.
It says: “Our small and dedicated team offer an excellent level of care and attention to your pets needs during their stay with us.”
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Public health said: “The issue of animal welfare is of paramount importance to us as the Licensing Authority, and we ensure all premises that need to be licensed meet the required standards, as set out in the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018.
“Phoenix Boarding Kennels has been a long-standing licensed kennels in Westbury, and we have only received one complaint since the new regulations came into effect in 2018.
“With their licence due to expire on 31 March 2023, in December last year the kennel operator was asked to renew their licence.
“Upon renewal and subsequent inspection, the business was found not to meet the requirements of the legislation and associated statutory guidance issued by Defra, and as such we cannot issue a licence at this time.
“Advice and guidance has been given to the operators should they wish to take measures to meet the requirements.
“The onus is on the business owners to inform their customers if they are not operating. A list of licensed premises is available at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/licences-permits-animal”
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