The Environmental Health Service enforces many laws that cover the health and welfare of living animals.
Avian Influenza threat
Also known as Bird Flu or Avian Flu. This is a disease that currently affects the health of birds across Great Britain.
Latest Situation:
- Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). This means by law you must follow strict biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
- All poultry keepers must follow these biosecurity measures in order to prevent and stop the spread of the disease.
- As a poultry keeper, you must make sure that you are aware of the latest measures.
For more details, visit: Avian influenza (bird flu) (GOV.UK).
DEFRA asks for your support. Please be aware that failure to implement the measures can mean:
- Up to six months imprisonment;
- and/or a fine up to £10,000 for each offence.
Birds in this context relate to:
- Poultry;
- and other captive birds means a bird kept in captivity that is not poultry. (Includes pet birds and a bird kept for shows, races, exhibitions, competitions, breeding or for sale.)
If you suspect a case of Avian Flu, please report it via the Defra Rural Services Helpline: 03000 200 301.
There is minimal risk to humans. However anyone coming into contact with or keeping poultry we ask that simple hygiene measures should be done:
- Wash hands and other exposed areas of the body.
- This reduces the risk of transmission and mitigate any harm to those who have come into close contact with poultry.
Animal Health
Our team's main role is to stop the spread of disease and the suffering of farm animals in Calderdale. To do this we:
- Advise on animal health matters.
- Monitor and enforce animal health legislation.
- Promote the good health of livestock.
The team also records the movements of livestock in the borough, see: Keeping livestock on smallholdings.
Movement record books are free of charge to livestock holders.
Further written information on the welfare codes is available on request.
Animal welfare
We have legal powers to deal with the welfare of animals at circuses and other venues where they perform.
If you are concerned about something you have seen or want more information, contact: Environmental Health.
The service also enforces legislation on disease control, which includes rabies within the borough.
You can report diseased animals to Environmental Health or for more about this, see: Animal diseases.
For the latest on livestock and disease control, visit: Defra: Animal health (GOV.UK).
For more details about this or for how to report cruelty to animals:
- See: Animal Cruelty.
- Contact: Environmental Health.
Licences
As well as licensing the movement of animals when required by law, we license for:
- Pet shops.
- Riding schools and pony trekking centres.
- Catteries and dog kennels.
- Zoos.
- Performing animals eg. at circuses or shows.
- Dog breeders.
- Owners of dangerous wild animals.
See: Animal licences.