Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Hertfordshire: The risk to humans remains low. However DEFRA has raised the risk level in wild birds in Great Britain to very high and the risk to poultry has also been increased. Find out more about bird flu outbreaks.
We are concerned with many aspects of animal welfare, including:
- The control of stray dogs under the Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Noise control under the EPA 1990 (barking dogs and other animal noise)
- Dogs Act 1871
- Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- Public Spaces Protection Orders
- Anti Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014
- Protection of Animals Act 1911
We also licence animal related businesses i.e. Catteries, Home boarding of dogs, Zoos etc as well as issuing Dangerous Wild Animal, and Primate licences. Further information can be found on our Animal Licensing webpage.
Cruelty to animals
If you suspect an animal is being subjected to any form of cruelty contact the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)or call the National Cruelty Helpline 0300 1234 999.
Stray dogs
- Find out more about stray dogs and other animals and how to report them.
XL Bully dogs
- As of 1 February 2024 the XL Bully was added to the Dangerous Dogs list. It is now a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certification of Exemption. Further information can be found on our dedicated page.
Bird Flu outbreaks
Bird flu or avian flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. Whilst this is a disease of birds there is a zoonotic (a disease which can pass from animals to humans) potential to cause disease in humans. The public are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using DEFRA's online reporting system or by calling the DEFRA helpline: 03459 33 55 77.
Further information regarding Bird Flu can be found on Hertfordshire County Councils website.
Captive Birds
Due to the current status of Bird Flu Hertfordshire is now under an additional AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity, but not enforced mandatory housing at this time. To find out what measures apply to you and your kept birds you can check DEFRA's interactive map and for further information on how to prevent and stop the spread of Bird Flu can be found on GOV.UK website.
Did you know that if you are a keeper of birds you may need to register them with the Animal Health Agency (APHA)? As of 1 October 2024 anyone that keeps up to 49 birds (including pets) now, by law needs to register them with the APHA. More guidance, including information about any exemptions, and the link to the register can be found on GOV.UK website.