Zoo Licensing Act 1981

21 Interpretation.E+W+S

(1)In this Act—

  • “animals” means animals of the classes Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia, Pisces and Insecta and any other multi cellular organism that is not a plant or a fungus and “wild animals” means animals not normally domesticated in Great Britain;

  • “circus” means a place where animals are kept or introduced wholly or mainly for the purpose of performing tricks or manoeuvres at that place;

  • “keeper” includes any person employed under the directions of a keeper;

  • “the list” means the list compiled by the Secretary of State under section 8;

  • [F1“pet shop” means premises for whose keeping as a pet shop a licence is in force, or is required, under the Pet Animals Act 1951;]

  • [F1“pet shop” means premises at which the licensable activity described in paragraph 1 of schedule 1 of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (selling animals as pets) is carried on;]

  • “taxonomic category” means a group or assemblage of species recognised as an entity in scientific classification;

  • “zoo” has the meaning assigned by section 1(2).

  • [F2“zoo closure direction” has the meaning assigned by section 13(12).]

(2)Nothing in this Act and nothing done under it shall prejudice or affect the operation of any of the relevant statutory provisions (whenever made) as defined in Part I of the M1Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Textual Amendments

F2S. 21(1): definition of “zoo closure direction” inserted (E.) (8.1.2003) by S.I. 2002/3080, regs. 1(1), 2, 26 (which insertion is extended (W.) (22.4.2003) by The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/992), regs. 1(1), 2(1), Sch. para. 23 (with reg. 4)); and (S.) (1.4.2003) by The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/174), regs. 1(1), 26

Marginal Citations