The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed it has issued a Stop Notice to Animal Funeral Services in Kington, Herefordshire.
The notice was issued on 9 July 2026 and prohibits operations involving animal by-products while investigations continue. APHA says it is examining multiple issues of non-compliance at the site.
What is a Stop Notice?
A Stop Notice is an enforcement measure used by regulators to require certain activities to cease immediately where there are concerns about compliance with relevant legislation.
In this case, APHA has confirmed the notice prevents operations involving animal by-products from taking place at the site while enquiries continue.
What has APHA confirmed?
Although APHA has said it cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing, it has confirmed that an inspector issued the Stop Notice on 9 July.
The agency says it is working with local authorities to address multiple issues of non-compliance identified at the premises.
Veterinary practice ends association
Worcestershire-based Henwick Vets has confirmed that it has ended its association with Animal Funeral Services.
In a statement to clients, the practice said it visited the site on 10 July and that the ashes relating to its patients had been returned. It also stated that, based on what staff observed during the visit, it was as confident as it could be that individual cremations for its patients had been carried out correctly.
What this means for pet owners
The investigation remains ongoing and no conclusions have been reached.
For families affected by the situation, the uncertainty is understandably distressing. However, it is important to allow the investigation to run its course before any final conclusions are drawn.
Many pet cremation providers across the UK continue to provide professional and compassionate end-of-life services, working closely with veterinary practices and bereaved families.
What happens next?
APHA has not indicated how long the Stop Notice will remain in place.
The investigation is continuing and further updates are expected as enquiries progress.
Previous coverage
This is the latest development in an ongoing investigation into Animal Funeral Services in Herefordshire.
Read our previous coverage: Investigation Underway Following Allegations at Herefordshire Pet Crematorium
Read the latest update
The latest developments have been confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which has issued a Stop Notice preventing operations involving animal by-products at the site while investigations continue.
For more information, you can read the latest report from Vet Times, which includes APHA’s confirmed statement:
FAQs
What is a Stop Notice?
A Stop Notice is an enforcement notice requiring specified activities to stop immediately until regulatory requirements have been met.
Why was the Stop Notice issued?
APHA has confirmed it relates to multiple issues of non-compliance identified during its investigation. Further details have not been released while enquiries continue.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. APHA has confirmed that investigations are continuing and has said it cannot comment further at this stage.
Has Animal Funeral Services responded?
At the time of writing, no public response from Animal Funeral Services has been included in the latest update reported by Vet Times.
What should I do if I am concerned?
If you believe your pet may have been affected, you should contact the veterinary practice that arranged the cremation or the cremation provider directly for advice and information.
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