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<p>Under the Licensing of Activities Involving Animals Regulations 2018 (the 2018
Regulations), anyone who is in the business of selling animals as pets needs a valid
licence from their local authority. Licensees must meet strict statutory minimum welfare
standards which are enforced by local authorities who have powers to issue, refuse
or revoke licences. Online sellers and traditional pet shops are accordingly held
to a fair regulatory standard.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has been providing energy
cost support to businesses, including pet shops; first through the Energy Bill Relief
Scheme and now through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS). The EBDS will run
until 31 March 2024 for eligible non-domestic consumers in Great Britain and Northern
Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>My Department is currently conducting a post implementation
review of the 2018 Regulations. Among other things, this will assess whether there
could be scope for improvements to the regulation of the sale of pets.</p>
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