TWO Copeland animal boarding establishments are celebrating achieving top marks in a new council ratings system.
Tutehill Boarding Kennels and Cattery, near Pica, and The Whitehouse Boarding Kennels and Cattery, near Cleator, both achieved a ‘five’ rating – the highest possible – following a thorough inspection by Copeland Council’s Environmental Health team.
They are the first two inspections to take place in Copeland under the newly-introduced Animal Activity Licence, and assessments cover the care given to the animals, hygiene and cleanliness, staffing levels, training, and health and safety. Ratings must be publicly displayed.
Sharon Rogers, whose family has run Tutehill for 27 years, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this rating. We were striving for a five and it is the highest recognition that we can receive for all our hard work.”
Lucy Scott, who has run The Whitehouse for the past four years, said: “This makes all our hard work worthwhile. It is a real stamp of approval and shows people that you provide a good service.”
The new Animal Licence Activity was introduced last year and replaced the previously-used multiple licence system. Inspections of the council’s registered premises take place every one to three years, and those operating to a higher standard will be subject to less frequent inspections.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, visited both premises to formally present their certificates.
Mr Starkie said: “I congratulate both businesses on achieving the highest standard in this ratings system.
“The new system is beneficial for our pet owners, as they can make decisions on where to send their pets based on an independent and detailed assessment. It also benefits the businesses themselves as by allowing the higher performing premises to have less frequent inspections – coupled with the fact that ratings will be made public – it incentivises good performance.
“Our Environmental Health team has put an enormous amount of work into implementing this new system, and they have noted that the businesses have risen to meet the challenge of this more onerous inspection process and are proving themselves to be real assets to the borough.”
Ratings awarded will be published on Copeland Council’s Facebook page.
