Appeals process for animal licensing ratings

Local Authorities must have an appeal procedure in place for businesses to dispute the star rating given in respect of their business. The appeal procedure is relevant where any business wishes to dispute the star rating given as not reflecting the animal welfare standards and risk level of their business at the time of the inspection. This should not be used if the business has made improvements to their business and wishes to be reassessed
- in this case, they should apply for re-inspection.

If a business wishes to appeal the star rating given by the 'inspecting officer' (i.e. the officer undertaking the inspection) on behalf of the licensing authority, the appeal should be made in writing (including by email) to the licensing authority: Licensing Manager, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN or email to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

A business disputing its rating is encouraged to discuss this informally first with the 'inspecting officer' so that there is an opportunity to help explain how the rating was worked out, as this may help resolve the matter without the business having to lodge an appeal. Any such discussions do not form part of the formal appeal process and do not change the deadline within which an appeal must be lodged. This will be made clear to the business so that they may lodge an appeal, and may subsequently withdraw it, if they wish.

Businesses have 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) following the issue of their licence in which to appeal the star rating.