A licence is required, under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, for
premises that are used for the purpose of keeping wild animals for
exhibition to the public.
It is an offence to operate a zoo without a valid licence, or,
in non-compliance with conditions attached to any licence
issued.
Applications for new licences can take three months to
process because of consultations that may have to take place with
emergency services, enforcement authorities and the veterinary
surgeons.
Premises will always be inspected before a licence is issued
and inspections to assess compliance with licence conditions may be
made at any time thereafter - not just at the time of application
for renewal.
If you are thinking of setting up a zoo you should discuss
your proposals with one of our licensing officers (see contact
details below), before incurring any expenditure.
Erection of additional facilities, or, changing the use of
existing premises may require prior approval under Town and Country
Planning Acts and/or Building Regulations.
Application forms and further information, including licence
fees and conditions that may be applied to zoo licences are
provided in the links below.
[Note: following inspection of the
facilities, licences if approved will be issued subject
to site specific conditions.]
If you wish to make an application please use the link
below.
If you wish to make any enquiries regarding zoo licensing, or,
to make a complaint regarding a licensed premises you may contact
us on-line using the Environmental Health
(Commercial) Services Enquiry form.
Alternatively you could contact us using the details below.
There are no charges for making enquiries or complaints
regarding zoos.
The licence fee is currently £355 + associated fees*
*for inspection in conjunction with a
suitably authorised veterinary surgeon.
Application forms and details of licence
fees:
[Note: application forms need to be
downloaded for completion and signing prior to returning these to
the address given with the appropriate licence
fee]
Public Index of Zoo Registration:
Zoo Licence
Telephone: (01902) 696665
Fax: (01902) 696222
Email:
env.commercial@sstaffs.gov.uk