License - Zoo

Description

Under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 any establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public otherwise than for the purposes of a circus or a pet shop requires a licence from the local authority. In order to issue the licence the authority will inspect the premises and consult other local agencies such as police, fire, planning authority etc. Licences are usually granted for 4 years.

Procedure

The Council will work in close partnership with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on all aspects of zoo licensing.

The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, it is recommended that you contact a specialist officer first for advice and guidance (see related links).

If you would like to make an application, please contact the Council using the details provided.

Barnsley Council will be able to consider your application after at least two months notice of the application have been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed at the site.

Helplines

Regulatory Services, Animal Health (01226) 773860/ 772532

Charges/Fees

Currently the fee is ã146 per annum

Methods of Payment Available

Cash or cheque

Opening Times/Locations

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

How the customer can help

Your request for information/complaint should include the following information:

• Your full name, address and contact details
• Name and address of business/premise concerned if different from above
• As much relevant detail about the enquiry/complaint as possible, e.g.
  • Dates
  • Times
  • Descriptions
  • Sequence of events
• Any action taken by you, or contact made with the business/premise concerned
• Any information you have already managed to obtain

Application Form References

Please contact our office for details

Legislation

The Zoo Licensing Act 1981

Response Times/Next Steps

Once the Council is able to consider your application, we must consult the police, fire authority, governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, a neighbouring Council if the zoo overlaps that area of the neighbouring Council and any person wishing to object on grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health of safety of persons living in the area.

The council must arrange an inspection by a consultant inspector from the list of suitable inspectors nominated by the Secretary of State.

Owner Officer Contact Details

Animal Health Officer
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

Telephone Number:- 01226 772532/ 773860

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the Zoo Licensing Act?

A The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 came into force in 1984. The Act requires the inspection and licensing of all zoos in Great Britain. The Act aims to ensure that, where animals are kept in enclosures, they are provided with a suitable environment to provide an opportunity to express most normal behaviour.

The Zoo licensing Act (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 amend the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The amendment Act gives force to European Council Directive 1999/22/EC, which deals with the keeping of wild animals in zoos. The Regulations have force of law from 8 January 2003 and are available from the Stationery Office.

Q How does it work?

A Responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the licensing system and the administration of the Act rests with local authorities. (Usually the Environmental Health Department). However Central Government does have a role. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has responsibility for maintaining a list of zoo inspectors and for setting detailed standards for zoo management with which zoos are expected to comply (the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice). Following devolution the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales have taken on these responsibilities in their respective countries.

The Secretary of State has a two-part list of inspectors which she can call on to inspect the zoos. The first part contains names of veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners who have experience of zoo animals. The second part lists persons who are competent (in the Secretary of the State's opinion) to inspect animals in zoos, to advise on their welfare and to advise on general zoo management issues. Inspectors' expenses are paid by the licensing authority, and recharged to the owner of the zoo.

Q What does it cover?

A A zoo is defined in the Act 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. The Act recognises this wide range of establishments by allowing dispensations to be granted for small zoos.

Dispensations for these types of collection reduce the number of inspectors to a reasonable level for a small establishment, and 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, or to pet shops, both of which are covered by other legislation. The Government has produced a circular, which provides an introductory guide to existing guidance available on animal welfare legislation relating to the keeping of wild animals (see associated links).

Related Links:

• DEFRA
• Zoo Licensing Act
• The keeping of wild animals