Darlington residents could be fined £5,000 for animal cruelty

Depending on the severity of the incident, Darlington Borough Council would be able to fine people £350 for low-level issues, rising to a maximum of £5,000 for serious incidents.

The local authority currently issues licences for animal activities such as dog breeding, boarding, hiring out horses, selling animals as pets, and keeping or training animals for exhibition.

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) would be issued if a person continues to trade without a licence, continues to breach their licence conditions, or obstructs an officer.

Darlington’s licensing department has prosecuted several people for unlicensed activities, where penalties have included fines and costs, since the introduction of Animal Welfare Regulations in 2018.

“The use of FPNs for low-level criminal offences enables cases to be dealt with proportionately, quickly, and consistently, without the need to take cases to court or to require an admission of guilt,” the council said. 

Members of the council’s General Licensing Committee are due to discuss the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday (March 3). 

A council report added: “The use of FPNs for low-level criminal offences enables cases to be dealt with quickly, proportionately, and consistently without the need to take them to court. There is no requirement for the offender to admit guilt before a FPN can be issued.

“Each FPN will be calculated by the Investigating Officer after determining the culpability and harm caused by the offence. Once the culpability and harm have been assessed, the Investigating Officer will adjust the FPN amount based on any aggravating or mitigating factors considered.”

The maximum amount specified in a fixed penalty would not exceed £5,000, with the actual amount of each FPN determined on an individual basis. Fines would be halved if paid within 14 days.