Licence - zoo
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.
The Council cannot consider any application unless publications of details have been advertised in a local and national newspaper also a notice placed at the site.
The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. It is recommended that a specialist officer is contacted first for advice and guidance.
There are exemptions for circuses, pet shops and any individual premises where the Secretary of State issues a direction that the act should not apply.
If you would like further information, or would like to apply for a licence, please contact the Council’s Environmental Health Division on 01438 242908/242916, email envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk.