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Derby Magician Told to Pay £429 Licence for Rabbit Used in Shows

The fee stems from national animal welfare rules enforced by local councils.

Overview

  • Derby City Council classified the rabbit, Snowy, under the keeping and training animals for exhibition category set out in the 2018 Animal Welfare Regulations.
  • The council says the three‑year licence costs £429 with a £328 renewal and that the charges align with those used by other authorities.
  • Stuart Brown argues Snowy is untrained and only appears briefly, often for around 10–20 minutes a month, so the fee is disproportionate.
  • He has not paid, is filling out a six‑page application, and says he will attach an appeal letter.
  • Brown says the cost could squeeze his sole‑trader business and force him to cut back on unpaid charity performances for ill children.