I wish to know of all councils whether or not you conduct any regular inspections of hunts in your area. Please answer the following specific questions:
As most hunts are now registered limited companies, are they subjected to business tax and business records inspections by the council, if not who conducts these inspections?
Any issues concerning tax would be within the remit of central government and specifically HM Revenue & Customs and not Devon County Council. If you have a particular concern about a hunt, we would recommend that you contact HMRC via their website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
Does the council conduct inspections of the premises of these businesses and for what reasons, if not why not?
The Trading Standards Service, which is part of Devon County Council, may inspect Hunt Kennel premises in relation to the handling of Animal By Products. This would be the only reason that Devon County Council would come to inspect these premises
Does the council inspect planning permission for hound kennels, if not why not?
Planning permission is not the responsibility of Devon County Council. This is the responsibility of district, city or unitary councils. If you require further information about planning permission in respect of a particular premises, we would recommend that you contact the relevant district, city or unitary council. Contact details can be found on our website at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/neighbouring-authorities/
Does the council inspect the kennels for correct accommodation suitability and conditions for keeping hounds. If not why not?
Devon County Council does not inspect the premises for these purposes as this is not the responsibility of the county council.
It is the responsibility of district, city and unitary councils to ensure that businesses meet their statutory obligations. Following on from our suggestion above, we would also recommend that you request information from a relevant district, city or unitary council about how this has been enforced.
Does the council inspect (with the correct trained member of staff) the hounds for health and welfare. If not why not?
Please see our answer to the question above with respect to the statutory obligations of businesses.
Does the council inspect premises and the practises of hunts in regards to disposal of waste using drains and water courses. If not why not?
Devon County Council does not inspect the premises for these purposes as this is not the responsibility of the county council.
With respect to the disposal of waste, this is the responsibility of the Environment Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Agency which is part of the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Further information can be found on their website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
Does the council inspect hunts to check they adhere to regulations regarding the proper disposal of hound carcases and farm animal carcass`s used to feed hounds. If not why not?
As set out in our response above, the Trading Standards Service will inspect hunt kennels, on a risk assessed basis, to check for compliance with requirements for the handling and disposal of Animal By Products, such as animal carcases
Are hunting hounds ever checked for health (potential diseases) before they attend events which bring them in to direct contact with the public, such as Boxing Day meets, country shows and primary school visits which risk spreading diseases (particularly to the old and young). If not why not?
This is not the responsibility of Devon County Council. Please see our responses above with respect to the responsibilities of district, city and unitary authorities, and the Environment Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Agency
Are hunts inspected to ensure that they are following health and safety codes in the work place and when out in public, including COSHH certificates for any substance used on site or for trails? If not why not?
This is not the responsibility of Devon County Council. Please see our responses above with respect to the responsibilities of district, city and unitary authorities.