Zoos

When considering an application we take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:

• the applicant
• the chief officer of police
• the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be situated
• the governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of zoos
• where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local authority with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for the relevant area (other than a county planning authority) or, if the part is situated in Wales, the local planning authority for the area in which it is situated
• anyone alleging that the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living in the neighbourhood
• anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety of anyone living near it
• any other person whose representations might show grounds on which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence

Before granting or refusing the application we:

• consider any inspectors' reports based on their inspection of the zoo
• consult the applicant about any conditions they propose should be attached to the licence
• make arrangements for an inspection to be carried out (we will give at least 28 days notice)

We will not grant the licence if we decide:

• the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living near it
• the zoo would seriously affect the preservation of law and order
• that appropriate conservation measures would not be implemented satisfactorily

We might also refuse an application 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 incorporated company) the company or any of the company's directors, managers, secretaries, zoo keepers or other similar officers have been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of animals

Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless we allow a shorter time period.

The Secretary of State, after consulting the local authority, may direct us to attach one or more conditions to a licence.

We may advise the Secretary of State that, because of the small number of animals kept in the zoo or the small number of the kinds of animal kept there, a direction should be made that that a licence is not required.