Agenda and minutes

At this point in the meeting, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

Members were asked to declare any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary interests which they may have in respect of business on the agenda. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2017.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December  2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Committee’s remit can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Monday 5 March 2018.

Filming or Recording Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be filmed and webcast, or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting e.g. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809.pdf

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme on a matter within the general remit of the committee.

This report seeks Members support for the approval of the council’s Licensing Policy which relates to Animal Welfare Licensing.  It advises of the consultation undertaken and the amendments made to the draft policy following the consultation.  

Members considered a report seeking Members support for the approval of the council’s Licensing Policy which relates to Animal Welfare Licensing.  The report advised of the consultation undertaken and the amendments made to the draft policy following consultation.  The report sought a recommendation to the Executive that the policy be approved.

The Licensing Manager gave a brief background to the report, noting the consultation responses. She advised that the Licensing team was currently awaiting new Regulations relating to animal welfare licensing to come into force. DEFRA had advised that the regulations should be in place later in the year and the Policy would be updated in accordance with the Regulations. The Committee would receive a report on the new regulations when they had been issued.

The Licensing Manager outlined the two options to Members. In response to Member questions, the Licensing Manager clarified that:

·        There was a number of different animal licenses

·        Dates would be added to the policy following approval by the Executive

·        Animals in circuses were registered as performing animals in their home local authorities. The definition of a performing animal was explained

·        There needed to be evidence for irresponsible breeding of dogs and if proven, CYC would work with the Police and RSPCA to undertake checks 

·        In York there was one licensed breeding premises on a farm and one in a private home

·        Licences were not required for dog walkers.  A licensing was required for home boarding as this was classed as a boarding establishment

The Licensing Manager was asked and explained the definition of a hobby breeder to Members, noting that dog breeding was being covered by Defra in the new Regulations. She reported that there was one hobby breeder in York and a further person going through the process for this.

Members welcomed the introduction of the policy. They considered the following options:

Option 1 – Approve the proposed Animal Welfare Licensing Policy and the draft standard conditions (attached at Annex 1). Recommend to the Executive that the Licensing Policy be adopted.

Option 2 – Amend the proposed Animal Welfare Licensing Policy and draft standard conditions.  Recommend to the Executive that the amended Licensing Policy be adopted.

Resolved:  That;

                                     i.        in accordance with Option 1, Members approve the proposed Animal Welfare Licensing Policy and the draft standard conditions (attached at Annex 1).

                                    ii.        Members recommend to the Executive that the Licensing Policy be adopted.

Reason:    This will allow the Council to introduce a more comprehensive Licensing Policy relating to Animal Welfare Licensing.

The Licensing Manager invited Members to view the evening economy. This was welcomed by Members. The Licensing Manager undertook to liaise with Inspector Godfrey (North Yorkshire Police) and email dates to Members.

The Chair reported that following representation at Full Council regarding the taxi driver test, a sample test and report would be brought to the next Committee meeting following the six month update of the test. The Chair explained the measures in place for the identification of applicants undertaking the taxi test.