Zoo licensing
A zoo is an establishment where wild animals (for example, not normally domesticated in Great Britain) are kept for exhibition to the public with or without charge on more than 7 days in any 12-month period. Under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, anyone operating a zoo will require a licence from the local Authority. The legislation is designed for animal welfare. However, Health and Safety legislation applies to zoo workers and visitors welfare.
A new licence will normally be granted for up to four years and subsequent renewals will normally run for up to six years.
Exemptions
- Circuses
- Pet shops
Licence Conditions
- The local Authority shall not consider an application unless at least 2 months notice of the application had been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper and notice placed at the site.
- The authority must arrange an inspection of the zoo by a consultant veterinary inspector from the list of suitable nominated inspectors by the Secretary of State.
- Annual Health and Safety inspection carried out by EH dept (no charge).
- Full inspection with vet every 5 years and interim inspection with vet half way through the licence period.
The Authority will need to consult:
- Police
- Fire Authority
- Governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos
- Any adjoining Local Authority if the zoo overlaps another district
- Any person wishing to object on grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health or
- safety of persons living in the area
Fees
Dependent on costs - consult with Licensing Team
How to apply
Apply online for a zoo licence or report a change to an existing zoo licence via the Businesslink website.