Portsmouth animal businesses praised for strong welfare standards
Ninety per cent of animal businesses in Portsmouth are rated four or five stars for compliance with animal welfare law.
Under legislation introduced in 2018, licensing authorities such as Portsmouth City Council are required to license businesses that sell, breed, board or provide services to animals.
As part of the licensing system, councils focus on ensuring animals are kept in a suitable environment, receive a proper diet, have appropriate company or solitude, and are protected from pain and suffering.
A recent cabinet decision meeting heard that between April 2024 and October 2025, animal-related businesses in the city reflected a “dynamic and expanding sector”.
“Overall compliance remains strong, with more than 90 per cent of rated operators achieving a four-star or five-star quality rating.
“Instances of poor performance are rare; however, one notable case in 2025 involved a joint intervention with the RSPCA, resulting in the revocation of a boarder’s licence and several animals being taken into care.
“This incident underscores the importance of continued follow-up activities and highlights the ongoing need for adequate officer resources.”
The officer’s report highlighted Portsmouth Natural History Museum’s butterfly house, which requires the council-owned museum to hold a zoo licence.
Officers said the museum demonstrates the scope of work involved in licensing, including procedures for escaped butterflies, staff training, ethical sourcing of pupae, and daily temperature and humidity checks.
Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet lead for community safety, said there had been too many examples of animal cruelty in Portsmouth. These included an incident in which a swan was stamped to death in August last year, and another where an American bulldog starved to death at a home in Salterns Avenue.
He added that the council has successfully prosecuted people for cruelty involving horses and for illegally breeding dogs.
“I welcome the report and the activity of this council in seeking out cruelty and safeguarding animals.
He added that “what we see going on sometimes is just so harrowing” and that “pain is pain” whether it’s felt by people or animals.
There are 57 licensed animal businesses in Portsmouth, the majority of which are animal boarders, with 45 operating across the city.
Of these, 19 have a five-star rating, 14 have four stars and three have three stars. Three of the city’s four pet shops have a five-star rating, with the remaining shop rated three stars.
More information can be found in the information report on the council website.