Zoos
Zoo Licensing Act 1981
A zoo licence is required from the local
authority for any establishment, other than a circus or pet
shop, where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public,
whether on payment or otherwise, for 7 days or more in any period
of 12 consecutive months.
This means that every type of premises from
traditional zoos, small collections, butterfly house and aquaria
may be covered by the Act. With this in mind the Act allows
dispensations, or in some cases exemptions, to be granted for small
zoos from the need to be licensed.
Where the local authority is considering
exempting the zoo from any of the provisions of the Act it must be
satisfied that the zoo is run properly and the animals well cared
for. This needs to be supported by an independent veterinary
practitioner or surgeon. If an exemption is granted by
the Department for Rural Affairs monitoring of the zoo and
exemption will be maintained by the local authority by way of other
inspections.
Licences are granted initially for four years
with periodical inspections within that period by the local
authority.
Application
for a zoo licence must be made on the approriate form and
accompanied by the requisite fee.
The local authority will appoint a veterinary surgeon or
practitioner to inspect the premises before consideration will be
given to the granting of a licence. The cost
of any veterinary inspection must be met by the applicant
before the licence will be issued
Contact the Licensing Section
E-mail: licensing@dover.gov.uk
Telephone: 01304 872295
