Animal Welfare General Information

We monitor the fox population in the borough, we have a Rabies Contingency Plan, we organise campaigns and give presentations on responsible ownership, and we can provide information on animal welfare in London.

Responsible ownership

We organise responsible dog ownership campaigns and give presentations on animal welfare issues to local groups and schools.

Foxes

We monitor the fox population in the borough and provide advice. We can no longer provide a deterrent treatment as the only chemical licensed for this purpose has been withdrawn.

Rabies

We have, in conjunction with the Corporation of London, a Rabies Contingency Plan which is kept under review.

Enforcement policy

Animal welfare service enforcement policy statement

Cruelty to animals

If you suspect that an animal of any kind is being subjected to any form of cruelty then the only organisation that can legally deal with this is the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and you can contact their National Cruelty Helpline on 0870 5555 999.

Dog registration

We do not run a dog registration scheme. However, Battersea Dogs Home provide information on identifying your animal, including microchips, collar and tag and the Petsafe scheme.

Wildlife crime

We work closely with the police service, who are responsible for enforcing laws protecting wildlife.

Visit the wildlife crime section of the Metropolitan Police website for more information.

Importation of animals

Importation into the UK

Quarantine regulations are still in force in the UK and it is illegal to disobey them.

However, regulations for the importation of animals from Europe have been revised and for the latest information you should contact the Pet Travel Scheme Helpline on 0870 241 1710 or visit the Pet Travel Scheme section of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website.

You can obtain more information from the quarantine section of the DEFRA website.

Importation into overseas countries

Regulations for the importation of animals into overseas locations vary, depending on the country concerned. Before you move overseas you should contact DEFRA.

Animal welfare in London

The Mayor of London has published an Animal Framework document on improving animal welfare in London.

Free and subsidised veterinary care for London's pets

The Mayor of London has published a Free and subsidised veterinary care for London's pets document aimed at people of low incomes and on means-tested benefits, outlining charities and other organisations that offer free and subsidised veterinary treatment available to their pets.

Who to contact

You can contact us by phone, email or letter, or you can visit our offices.

Animal Welfare Services
Wanless Road Depot
26 Wanless Road
London
SE24 0HW
Phone: 020 7926 8860
Fax: 020 7926 8919
Email: desperfprocess@lambeth.gov.uk