Animal health service advice

Helpful information and links about bats in dwellings, pigs as pets, and animal passports.

Bats in dwellings

All European species of bats are protected by law, as are their breeding sites and winter hibernation sites.

At least eight species of bats are known to live in the Doncaster region. The most frequent kind to occur in domestic property is the tiny Pipistrelle bat. Other species encountered are:

  • Noctule bat
  • Leisler’s bat
  • Daubenton’s bat
  • Whiskered bat
  • Brandt’s bat
  • Natterer’s bat
  • Brown long-eared bat

Although old barns and derelict buildings occasionally harbour bats, most of the bat colonies we know of in the Doncaster region are situated in modern properties where they benefit from central heating, double glazing and roof insulation.

Horse passport

All owners must obtain a passport for each horse they own.

This includes ponies, donkeys, and other equidae, including zebras and other exotics. The passport must accompany your animal at all times unless stabled or at pasture, or moved on foot when the passport can be made available.

Failure to comply with the legislation is punishable by a fine of up to £5000.

Micro pigs

Micro pigs are classified as agricultural animals and are subject to the same controls and regulations as farm livestock.

Micro pigs have been selectively bred over generations to produce a pig that, when fully grown is smaller than adult animals of normal-sized breeds. The smallest adult micro pig will grow to about knee height. However, this will vary between pigs. It is impossible to predict the exact size a piglet will grow to. 

Pet passports

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions.

It also means that people in the UK can, having taken their pets to these countries, bring them back without the need for quarantine.

Pet Travel Scheme helpline through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) 0300 020 0301 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm

Contact us

For further information, please contact us:

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Last updated: 01 October 2024 07:40:58

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