Penalty Notices Returns 2024/25 Reminder

DEFRA has reminded local authorities of their statutory duty to submit annual reports on penalty notices for animal health and welfare offences.

Since the beginning of 2024, local authorities have been empowered to issue such notices, and they must report their activity to Defra after each financial year.

For the 2024/25 financial year, the deadline for submission is 1 June 2025. Authorities can use a published template to record their penalty notice data, which is available here.

If no penalty notices have been issued, a nil return can be submitted via email to ahwenforcement@defra.gov.uk. Additionally, if an authority has a designated lead animal health and welfare officer, their contact details can be shared to ensure they receive future communication.