Zoos
A zoo is any establishment where wild animals
are on display to the public for seven or more days in any twelve
month period. All zoos are licenced by the Local Authority.
Pet Shops and Circuses are exempt from applying for this
licence.
Regulation
Zoo Licensing Act 1981
More information on the zoo licensing system
can be found at the Defra
Website.
Apply
At least two months prior to placing an application with the
authority the potential zoo operator must provide in writing its
intention to make an application. A published notice must also be
placed in a locally circulating newspaper as well as a national
newspaper. A copy of this notice must also be placed at the site
for easy viewing and with the local authority for public
comment.
Fees
A fee is applicable for a licence application. View the details of fees for zoo licences.
Application Evaluation Process
The local authority may request representations from the police
authority, fire service authority, public objections and/or a
national institution concerned with the operation of zoos in the UK
(i.e. if aquatic zoo go to an aquatic zoo specialist). Other
person(s) whose representations might be relevant can also be
consulted.
An inspection is carried out by a Secretary of
State appointed inspector who will produce a report of
his findings. Based on the report and other considerations
the local authority will grant or refuse to grant a
licence. The operator will receive a written statement of the
grounds for refusal.
Planning requirements
An applicant for a licence will need to consider whether
planning permission is required for the proposed licensed activity.
Please contact the planning department separately to discuss
whether permission will be needed. The authority may refuse or
defer a decision on an application for a licence until the planning
issue has been decided.
Eligibility
The Council may also refuse to grant a licence if the applicant,
the directory, manager, secretary or similar office of the body or
any person employed as a keeper in the zoo has been convicted of an
offence under this Act or under any Acts listed below:
- The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964;
- The Protection of Animals (Scotland) Acts 1912 to 1964;
- The Pet Animals Act 1951;
- The Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967;
- The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963;
- The Riding Establishments Act 1964 and 1970;
- The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973;
- The Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act
1975;
- The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976;
- The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
Other useful organisations