Reminder: Defra LAIA Data Return 2026 Opens on 1 April

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will publish the annual Local Authority Animal Activities (LAIA) data return survey on 1 April 2026, with the submission window running until 31 May 2026.

All local authorities in England are required to complete this statutory data return, which supports national oversight of licensed animal activities and helps ensure consistent standards across the sector.

The survey will be available via the statutory guidance page, Animal activity licensing process: statutory guidance for local authorities, on GOV.UK.