Before granting or refusing to grant the licence, we shall consider any inspectors' reports based on their inspection of the zoo and consult the applicant about any proposed conditions to be attached to the licence. The Secretary of State may direct us to attach one or more conditions to a licence. We will give at least a 28-day notice of any inspections.
We will not grant the licence if:
- the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living near it
- it seriously affected the preservation of law and order
- we are not satisfied that appropriate conservation measures would be implemented
An application may also be refused if:
- we are not satisfied that accommodation, staffing or management standards are suitable for the proper care and wellbeing of the animals or for the proper conduct of the zoo
- the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporate company, the company or any of the company's directors, managers, secretaries or other similar officers, or a keeper in the zoo, has been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of animals
There is a fee for making the application.
Notice to apply for a zoo licence
If you have not heard from us within 2 months, please contact us.
Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than 6 months before the expiry of the existing licence, but sometimes a shorter time period may be allowed.
Application to renew a zoo licence
We may advise the Secretary of State that, because of the small number of animals kept in the zoo or the kinds of animal kept, a direction should be made that a licence is not required.