Animal activity licences

Risk re-rating and appeals process

If you disagree with your risk rating you can:

  • ask us for a re-rating
  • appeal a risk rating

Ask us for a re-rating

You can ask us for a re-rating of your star rating if you have:

  • accepted a rating between 1 to 4 stars
  • taken action to rectify the non-compliances we found during the original inspection

You can make your request using the Animal Welfare Rating scheme.

Ask for a re-rating

To complete the form you will need:

  • your name, address and contact details
  • your email address
  • details of your business and the licence you have

On the form you should tell us:

  • why you want a re-rating
  • the actions you have taken to improve the level of compliance or welfare since the inspection

You can attach appropriate supporting evidence.

Any actions you have taken and evidence you supply should relate to the actions we found in your original rating inspection.

If we find that you have not made the case for a re-rating, or you do not give us enough evidence we will contact you to:

  • let you know why we are not going to carry out a re-inspection
  • re-emphasise the priority actions you need to take to improve your rating
  • indicate what evidence you need to send us to support a re-inspection in the future

If we contact you to arrange a re-rating inspection, we will carry out the visit within three months of receiving your request.

If we carry out a  re-rating inspection we can give you a lower rating being awarded rather than being increased.

There is no limit to the number of re-inspection visits you can ask for. However, we will charge you for each inspection. The fee for an inspection is the full cost recovery.

Appeal a risk rating

You can appeal against the risk rating we award you if feel the score does not reflect the animal welfare standards and risk levels at the time of the inspection. 

You can make your appeal using the Animal Welfare Rating scheme.

You have 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) from the date you receive your notification letter to make your appeal.

Appeal a risk rating

Before you make your appeal, you should discuss the risk rating we have given you with the inspecting officer.

The inspecting officer will explain how we worked out your rating. This may help resolve the need for a formal appeal.

if you are not still not satisfied with the risk rating score after your discussion with the inspecting officer, you can the business can submit a formal appeal.

Once we receive your appeal we will:

  • review your original inspection and rating
  • contact you within 21 days to let you know our decision

Licensing

Address: Causeway House
Bocking End
Braintree
Essex
CM7 9HB

Telephone: 01376 552525

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