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The Act also calls for the licensing of premises where Rag Flock
is (a) Manufactured; (b) Stored for distribution to registered premises
but no premises coming within this definition are situated within
the Borough.
Only 1 Factory in the Borough has been registered, and no
infringement of the provisions of the Act was observed.
PET ANIMALS ACT 1951.
This Act came into force on the 1st April, 1952 and is designed
to secure for Pet Animals kept in shops, for sale to the Public, suitable
accommodation as regards size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and
cleanliness; adequate supplies of food and drinking water; prevention
of sale at too early an age; precautions to prevent the spread of
infectious diseases amongst the animals and precautions to be taken
in case of fire or other emergency.
No person may now keep a pet shop unless he obtains a licence
from the Local Authority, and it is an offence to sell animals as pets
in any part of a street or public place, except at a stall or barrow in
a market, or to sell pets to children under 12 years of age.
In the Act, "animals" is defined as including any description of
vertebrate and as such includes goldfish and cage birds, which are
the principal sales in the shops licensed in the Borough.
Four premises hold licences from the Richmond Borough Council
to carry on this business.
Regular inspection of the premises is carried out, and a close
liaison maintained with the Local representative of the Royal Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Licences are renewable annually and an inspection is made before
renewals are brought before the Council.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT 1950.
The number of outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease reported
throughout England and Wales was not unduly serious in 1955.
Richmond was not directly involved in any outbreak and was not
affected by Infected Area Restrictions on any occasion.
These restrictions controlled the movement of animals except for
special purposes and in this connection no licences were issued or
countersigned.