Animal activity licensing appeals and re-inspections

This appeals procedure is only relevant where the 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.

The appeals process should not be used if the business has made the necessary improvements and wishes to be re-assessed. In this instance they should have regard to the requests for re-inspections for re-rating purposes.

We encourage businesses to discuss their rating informally with the inspecting officer prior to submitting a formal appeal. This will provide an opportunity for the inspecting officer to explain to the business how the rating was calculated and may help resolve the matter without the business having to make an appeal.

Please note: any informal discussions regarding a star rating decision do not form part of the formal appeal process and do not change the deadline for which an appeal must be made. Businesses may lodge an appeal and subsequently withdraw it, if they wish.

How to appeal a star rating
If a business wishes to appeal the star rating given by the inspecting officer, they must complete the notification of appeal form and return to:

• AnimalWelfare@harborough.gov.uk or
• Environment Team, Regulatory Services, Harborough District Council, The Symington Building, Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7AG

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

How will we determine the outcome of the appeal?
The appeal will be determined by either the Environment Team Leader or Regulatory Services Manager. Any officer(s) involved in the production of the rating, or in the inspection on which the rating is based will not assist in the determination of an appeal outcome.

We will consider all paperwork associated with the inspection and the past compliance of the business. In some circumstances, a further visit to the establishment may be required. The costs associated with any additional inspections related to the appeal will be borne by the applicant unless it results in a higher rating being awarded.

We will consider the appeal within 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) from the date of receiving the appeal, within which time we will issue a decision to the business.

What if the business disagrees with the outcome of the appeal?
If the business disagrees with the outcome of the appeal, they can challenge our decision by means of judicial review. The business also has recourse to Harborough District Council’s complaints procedure (including taking the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman where appropriate) if the business considers that we have not delivered a council service properly.