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Zoo Licence

  • Licence summary
  • Eligibility criteria
  • What the law says
  • Application process
  • How long will it take you to process my application?
  • How to apply
  • Can I appeal if my application is refused?
  • Complaints about zoos


Licence summary

A licence is required to keep a zoo, which is defined as an establishment where wild animals (animals not normally domesticated in Great Britain) are kept for exhibition to the public otherwise than for purposes of a circus and otherwise than in a pet shop.

There are no licensed zoos in Wokingham Borough at the present time. 

The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, we recommend that you contact a specialist officer first for advice and guidance.

Eligibility criteria

We may refuse to grant a licence if the applicant or keeper in the zoo has been convicted under any offence involving the ill-treatment of animals, including:

  • 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.

 

What the law says

  • Zoo Licensing Act 1981

 

Application process

Notification of intention to operate a zoo.

At least two months before making an application for a zoo licence, you must:

  • Give notice in writing to us of your intention to make the application
  • Publish a notice of that intention in one local newspaper circulating in the locality
  • Publish a notice in one newspaper with a national circulation and
  • Exhibit a copy of that notice at the site.

 

The notice must specify the kinds of animals, approximate numbers and the arrangements for their accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing. Details of staff and visitor numbers must also be included, with details of means of access to the premises, and also details of how conservation measures will be implemented at the zoo.

Application for a licence to operate a zoo

When considering the application, we will take into account any representations received from the following:

  • The applicant;
  • The chief officer of police;
  • The fire authority;
  • The governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of zoos;
  • The planning authority;
  • Any person alleging that the establishment or continuance of the zoo would injuriously affect the health or safety of persons living in the neighbourhood of the zoo;
  • Any other person whose representations might, in the opinion of the local authority, show grounds on which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence.

 

We shall also consider a report made in respect of an inspection of the zoo.

How long will it take you to process my application?

We aim to process your application within 28 days of receiving it. As it is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted, please contact us if you have not heard from us by the end of this period. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by using the contact details on this page.

How to apply

Send notification of your intention to operate a zoo

  • Apply for a licence to operate a zoo  Application forms are available from the Licensing Team
  • Tell us about a change to your existing zoo licence
  • Renew a zoo licence

 

Can I appeal if my application is refused?

Please contact us first. Any applicant who is refused a licence or wants to object to a condition on the licence can appeal to their local magistrates’ court within 21 days of receiving notice of the decision.

Complaints about zoos

If you wish to complain that a zoo is causing a nuisance such as noise, or if you believe that there has been a breach of licence conditions, please contact us. If you are in the UK, you can also contact Consumer Direct who will give you advice. From outside the UK please contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

  • Contact: Licensing Service
  • Telephone: 0118 974 6766
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