|
When is a Zoo licence needed?
A zoo is defined as being 'an establishment where
wild animals are kept for exhibition ... to which members of the
public have access, with or without charge for admission, on more
than seven days in any period of twelve consecutive
months'.
The wide scope of this definition means that
licensed zoos range from traditional urban zoos and safari parks to
small specialist collections such as butterfly houses and aquaria.
Dispensations can be granted for small zoos which reduce the number
of inspections to a reasonable level for a small establishment, but
do not in any way weaken a zoo's obligation to achieve the levels
of animal welfare and modern public safety set out in the Secretary
of State's standards.
The Act does not extend to circuses (performing
animals), or to pet shops, both of which are covered by other
legislation.
Standards for Zoos
Zoo Inspectors carrying out inspections are
required to take account of the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice in
undertaking zoo inspections and making their recommendations to
local authorities on whether to grant a zoo licence under the Zoo
Licensing Act 1981 (as amended).
The Standards are designed to ensure that the
welfare of animals in zoos is protected, that zoos are safe places
for the public to visit and that zoos participate in appropriate
conservation and public education measures.
Applicants for a zoo licence must be able to
demonstrate that they can meet the key areas listed in these
standards
How to apply
A form is available to complete online and a
payment is required.
This application is not subject to tacit approval under the
European Union Services Directive. The indicative timescale for
dealing with the application is proposed to be within 100 days of
receipt of a full application. The deadline may be required to be
extended, you will be notified of the new deadline and the reason
for extending it.
Go to the online
form
Click to view our current
Licensing fees (pdf document).
Officers rely upon the expertise of Zoo inspectors appointed by the
Secretary of State in the interpretation of standards during
statutory inspections. During interim inspections by authorised
Environmental Health Officers, operators are expected to outline
their progress in achieving standards and demonstrate that existing
conditions are being met.
Other matters to consider
Apart from ensuring that you have the necessary
level of experience and expertise to look after the animal(s) that
will be covered by the licence and that you can meet all the
necessary standards and licence conditions, you should ensure
that:
- you have the relevant planning permissions for
the activity and/or any enclosures that you are erecting -
visit the planning pages for more
information.
- you have considered and undertaken risk
assessments relating to the health and safety of employees, the
self-employed and the public. (Health and safety legislation at Zoo
premises is enforced by the Environmental Services Health and
Safety section).
For further information please contact
Environmental Services Health and Safety team.
Contact Details:
E-mail:
environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address: Environmental Services, Council Offices,
Thorpe Road, Weeley,
Essex, CO16 9AJ
Telephone: 01255
686767 |