Zoos are regulated by the Council under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.
The Council works in close partnership with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website on all aspects of zoo licensing.
The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, it is recommended that you contact a specialist officer first for advice and guidance on the details below.
Regulation summary
The authority must consult the police, fire authority, governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, adjoining authority if the zoo overlaps the area of that authority and any person wishing to object on grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health or safety of persons living in the area.
The authority must arrange an inspection by a consultant inspector from the list of suitable inspectors nominated by the Secretary of State.
Eligibility criteria
The local authority cannot consider an application unless at least two months notice of the application has been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed at the site.
Application process
You can now apply for your licence online or can obtain an application form by contacting us using the details below:
How to apply
You can now apply for your licence online
Receipt of application notification:
If making an application online you will receive a notification of receipt of payment once a payment has been successfully made. You will then receive an e-mail notification that your application is being processes.
If an application is sent into our Licensing department you will receive a letter notifying you that the application is being processes along with a receipt of payments made within 7 working days
If you hand an application form into our reception office you will receive a receipt of payment immediately and will receive a letter notifying you that the application is being processes within 7 working days
Please note: It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact them using the details below
Costs
Variable.
Appeal process
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.
Complaints / objections
If you have a complaint either about a Zoo licence or regarding our procedures please contact the Licensing Team on 01443 425001 and ask for a Licensing Officer.
Public registers
To gain access to the public register please contact the Licensing Team on 01443 425001 to make an appointment to view the register at our offices. Alternatively please send an email detailing your request to Licensing.Section@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk.
Further information
Licencing Team
Ty Elai,
Dinas Isaf East
Williamstown
Tonypandy
CF40 1NY
Tel: 01443 425001
Fax: 01443 425301