Zoo Licensing Act 1981

Zoo Licensing Act 1981[a]
Act of Parliament
coat of arms
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long titleAn Act to regulate by licence the conduct of zoos.
Citation1981 c. 37
Territorial extent 
[b]
Dates
Royal assent27 July 1981
Commencement30 April 1984[c]
Other legislation
Amended by
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (c. 37) is an act of Parliament (United Kingdom) of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Provisions

The main effect of the act was to regulate zoos by requiring them to be licensed by local authorities.[1] The act did not extend to circuses or pet shops.[2]

Individuals can apply for licences under the act if they have not committed any animal welfare offences.[3] The act defines a zoo as an establishment where non-native animals are kept for exhibition to the public, for seven or more days per year, even if there is no charge.[4]

Notes

  1. ↑ Section 23(1).
  2. ↑ Section 23(3).
  3. ↑ Section 23(2). The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (Commencement) Order 1984 (SI 1984/423).

References

  1. ↑ Zoo Licensing Act, 1981, s1 (1)
  2. ↑ Zoo Licensing Act, 1981, s1 (2)
  3. ↑ Perraudin, Frances (27 November 2017) [2017-11-17]. "Fate of lynx shot dead in Wales raises questions over 'hobby zoos'". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "Call to rethink 'zoo' decision for tortoise sanctuary". BBC News. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  • Whitaker's Almanack: for the year 1982, complete edition, p. 361. J. Whitaker & Sons, London, 1981
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