Required for:
Operating a zoo, which means an establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public otherwise than for purposes of a circus and otherwise than in a pet shop.
Exclusions include:
Persons convicted of an offence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, the Protection of Animals Act 1911, or of an offence under any of sections 4, 5, 6(1) and (2), 7 to 9 and 11 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, or any other offence relating to cruelty or mistreatment of animals.
Fees:
Animal welfare fees including zoo licensing.
Application process:
Zoo licences are complex. The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 requires that at least 2 months before any zoo licence application is made, the applicant must:
• publish notice of that intention in one local newspaper circulating in the locality and one newspaper with a national circulation
• exhibit a copy of that notice at the site including a statement that the notice to the local authority may be inspected
All animal licences issued by the council are determined by the Animal Welfare Officer based on principals of good animal welfare and veterinary advice. An inspection will be made before any application is granted.
We recommend applicants make contact with the Animal Welfare Officer before applying.
You must give notice in writing to the local authority of his intention to make the application, click here for notification form
Applications may be made online or by downloading and completing the form and then posting to the address below:
Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances or to renew a licence
Contact details:
Regulatory Services (Commercial)
Southampton City Council
Floor 5
One Guildhall Square
Southampton
SO14 7FP
Tel 023 8083 3002
Email: environmental.health@southampton.gov.uk
Will tacit consent apply?
No, an inspection will need to be made before any application is granted in order to safeguard animal welfare and public health and protection.
What if I am refused a licence or disagree with the conditions?
There is a right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court
Southampton City Council
