Zoo

A Licence is required if you operate 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 dates in any period of twelve month period.

Do I need a Licence?
Yes.  If you are going to exhibit animals not normally domesticated in Great Britain.

Are you eligible to apply?
Any person may make an application for a Zoo Licence providing they have not been convicted of an offence in terms of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, or in terms of any of the following or any other offence involving ill-treatment of animals, at the time of application;

• the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964
• the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Acts 1912 to 1964
• the Pet Animals Act 1951
• the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
• the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
• the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
• the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
• Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• the Animal Health Act 1981
• the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006

How do I Apply?
Applicants must complete the application form and submit it to the Licensing Section along with the correct fee. You can also make and pay for an application on-line at ELMS.

An application must be:

• In writing (including electronically)
• Be signed by the applicant (including digital signature)

At least two months before making an application, applicants must also

• give notice in writing (including by electronic means) to the local authority of their intention to make the application.
• publish notice of their intention to apply for a Zoo licence in one local newspaper and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice. The notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the application notice to the local authority is available to be inspected at the local authority offices.

The notice must identify:

• the zoo's location
• the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept for exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing;
• the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed in the zoo
• he approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which accommodation is to be provided
• the approximate number and position of access to be provided to the premises
• how required conservation measures will be implemented at the zoo

What does it cost?
Fee List   fees are non refundable

In addition to the said fee, the Council is also entitled, under S15 (2A) of the Zoo Licensing Act 198,  to recover their reasonable expenses incurred by them for inspections (including vets' fees), making directions, supervising the implementation of plans etc, all under the said section.