FOI Request - Rabbit Breeding Licences

Request 101003884461

I request the following information relating to rabbit breeding licences issued under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.

Please provide data for the period 1 January 2022 to the date of response.

1. Licensing Data

For each year (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 to date):
a. The number of rabbit breeding licence applications received.
b. The number of licences granted.
c. The number of licences refused.
d. The number of licences renewed.
e. The number of active licences currently in force.

2. Inspections

For each year (2022–2025):
a. The number of pre-licence inspections conducted.
b. The number of routine / scheduled inspections conducted.
c. The number of reactive inspections (complaints or welfare concerns).
d. Whether inspections were carried out by:
• Council animal welfare inspectors
• External contractors
• Veterinary surgeons
• Other (please specify)

3. Complaints & Welfare Concerns

For each year:
a. The number of public complaints received regarding rabbit breeding, welfare, or sale.
b. The number of complaints that resulted in:
• Investigation
• No further action
• Referral to the SSPCA
• Joint investigations
c. Copies of all policies or internal guidance followed when investigating rabbit-related welfare complaints (if available).

4. Enforcement Activity

For each year:
a. The number of warnings issued.
b. The number of improvement notices issued.
c. The number of licences suspended, varied, or revoked.
d. The number of prosecutions or cases referred for prosecution.
e. Any enforcement action taken against unlicensed breeders.

5. Monitoring & Data Recording

a. Whether your council actively monitors or investigates potential unlicensed rabbit breeding activity.
b. Whether your council keeps registries, spreadsheets, databases, or logs relating to rabbit breeding investigations or inspections.

6. Document Request

Please provide copies of:
•  Any local guidance, protocols, or standard operating procedures relating to rabbit breeding licence assessments, inspections, and enforcement.
•  Any internal or external reports reviewing implementation of the 2021 Regulations.