Had this response from the council. They are not budging despite having the authority to amend the pet shop licence so it doesn't include the sale of puppies as there is 'no evidence' Linton's premises are unsuitable for the sale of puppies. Even though ANY pet shop premises are unsuitable for puppies as it is it a natural environment for them. Response as follows: I completely understand what the Minister is saying and have never disputed his views. I will go through his response point by point to fully explain the Council’s position. “I am sorry to learn that Wokingham Borough Council are unclear on the interpretation of legislation relating to Pet Shops”. The Council absolutely refutes this comment. We are not unclear, in fact we have dissected the provisions of the Act and considered all of the proposals that you and your colleagues have put forward. These have been considered unlawful at this time. “and they are already regulated and licensed. They are regulated by the Pet Animals Act 1951”. Not disputed Additional powers to place restrictions on which animals can be sold at a licensed pet shop establishment. I can confirm that they do have the power to restrict the number of animals that can be sold. Not disputed, however “ restrict the number of animals that can be sold”. A common interpretation of this would be exactly what it says “numbers”. The Minister does not say species nor does he designate any criteria within species i.e. puppies/kittens. In any case, as I have previously explained, in order to be able to do this the Council must be able to demonstrate that there is a very good reason for so doing, such as, breaches of licence conditions or a conviction for a relevant offence. The Minister goes on to say that “local authorities to judge on a case-by-case basis whether a particular premise is suitable for a particular animal to be sold”. There is absolutely no evidence to demonstrate that the premises of Linton’s Pets is not “suitable. He goes on further to state “it is for them (the Authority) to have considerable discretion in making a judgment about whether it is appropriate for certain animals to be sold on the authority’s premises”. As I have explained a number of times, I have no reason to believe, or prove, that the proprietor’s of Linton Pets are not fit and proper to run a business which involves the selling of puppies to the public. My previous comments regarding the legal aspects of licensing policy still stand.