An animal attraction near Minehead has had its licence to exhibit animals revoked by Somerset Council.

The licence for the Golden Retriever Experience was revoked on the grounds of protecting the welfare of the animals as well as breaching license conditions and regulations.

Licensing Officers visited the Golden Retriever Experience at Carhampton, after shared information from the RSPCA. It was discovered that standards had slipped since the premises was first granted a licence in May 2023, resulting in number of licensing breaches.

Following a short investigation and, having considered vital evidence disclosed by the RSPCA, Somerset Council has revoked their license with immediate effect.

Somerset Council urges residents and visitors to report any animal welfare concerns regarding licensed businesses via the Somerset Council website here: Complaints about a licensed person, vehicle or premises (somerset.gov.uk).

This case shows that failing to look after animals and breach licence conditions has consequences and that Council staff will act quickly.

The licence holder has the right of appeal.

Background information

Somerset Council licenses a wide range of businesses, under animal welfare legislation, such as dog breeders, kennels and catteries, pet shops, riding schools and premises where animals are kept and/or trained for the purposes of being exhibited to make sure that animals:

• are fed and watered,
• kept in a suitable environment,
• can exercise and express normal behaviour
• receive veterinary treatment when needed.

Somerset Council’s Licensing staff work with businesses to make sure licence conditions and welfare standards are met. However, if these are not met, Somerset Council can suspend or revoke a licence if it is necessary in order to protect an animal or animals.

This case shows that breaching licensing rules and failing to properly look after animals has consequences and that we have staff who will act quickly and make tough decisions when necessary.