Licence - Zoo

A Zoo licence is needed if wild animals are exhibited to the general public on more than seven days in any 12 consecutive months.  There are exemptions for circuses, pet shops and any individual premises where the Secretary of State issues a direction that the Act should not apply.  Wild animals are defined as animals not normally domesticated in Great Zoo licensing procedures involve Secretary of State nominated inspectors, and further guidance should be sought from this department.  If you are intending to operate a zoo you will first need to notify North Shropshire District Council of your intention to apply for a zoo licence using the application form.

Then two months before you make a licence application a notice of intent should be published in one local and one national newspaper, at the site and sent to the local authority where it will be made available for public inspection.  It must state:

• The location of the zoo
• The kinds of animals to be kept, in taxonomic category of order
• The arrangements made for the animals' accommodation, maintenance and well being
• The approximate number and categories of staff employed or to be employed at the zoo
• The approximate number of visitors and motor vehicle accommodation is provided for
• The approximate number and position of the means of access provided or to be provided to the premises

Then you need to formally apply for a licence.

An application form is available from North Shropshire District Council.  The application form must be accompanied by the fee of £225 (2008/09).  This fee does not cover veterinary inspection charges which will be charged at a later date.

There are 3 types of inspection undertaken with respect to zoo licences:

• Periodic
• Special
• Informal

Periodic inspections

These are undertaken when a licence is in existence.

The authority will discuss with the operator about the inspection and give 28 days notice of the inspection.

Inspections will be undertaken:

a)   For a new licence.  Once during the first year and the second not later than 6 months before the end of year 4.

(b)  For a renewed licence or fresh licence granted to the holder of an existing licence.  Once during the third year and the second not later than 6 months before the end of year 6.

Special inspections

May be undertaken by the local authority if it considers it necessary to do so because of:

A periodical report -

• Any representations made to local authority or on behalf of a properly constituted body concerned with any aspect of the zoo management or its animal welfare,
• An informal inspection,
• Any other circumstances which will call for an investigation

Informal inspections:

These are once in any calendar year where no other inspection has been made and by an appointed person from this Council.

The following conditions will be applied:

1. Consult with the Licensing Authority and agree accommodation requirements and any special provisions before acquiring any animal species belonging to Category 1 (Greater Risk) of the Dangerous Animal Categorisation detailed in Chapter 12 of the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice March 2000 (DETR)
2. Notify the Licensing Authority without delay of any animal species belonging to Categories 2 and 3 of the Dangerous Animal Classification, acquired after the issue of this Licence.
3. Insurance - Within one month of the date of the licence and one month of the date of renewal of the policy, where applicable, a copy of the zoo's current public liability insurance policy, and of subsequent renewals thereof, to be sent to the licensing authority
4. Stock List - A copy of the zoo's annual stock list, as defined in the Secretary of State's standards of modern zoo practice, to be forwarded to the licensing authority by 1 April of the year following that to which it relates.
5. Dangerous Animals - The licensing authority to be notified in writing at least one month in advance of the proposed addition of any animal listed in the current schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, as currently amended, which is not from a taxonomic order not previously kept in the zoo.
6. Temporary removal of animals from the Zoo - The Licensee/s to notify the licensing authority before the temporary removal from the zoo (other than for veterinary attention or inter-zoo movements) of any animal listed in the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, as currently amended.  Such notification to be given as early as possible and, in any case, no later than 12 hours before the removal, unless the zoo operator and licensing authority mutually agree a shorter period.  When giving notification, details of the destination and method of transportation of the animal and of the arrangements for its well-being, as well as for the safety of the public whilst it is away from the zoo, to be provided.
7. Escapes - Within one month of the date of the licence a copy of the written procedures in respect of animal escapes to be sent to the local authority within one month of being made.
8. In the event of any non-domestic animal escaping from the confines of the zoo, notification shall be made to the licensing authority as soon as possible and, in any case, not later than 24 hours following the escape.

Note 1

These conditions are attached to the licence without prejudice to the application where relevant, of the Secretary of State's standards of modern zoo practice specified in accordance with the powers conferred under section 9 of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

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