Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the adequacy of the provisions of (1) the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, and (2) SI 2002/3080 which implemented EC Directive 1999/22/EC.

Under zoo licensing legislation zoos are subject to an annual inspection and must comply with the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. These are detailed standards for zoo management, including animal health, welfare and husbandry. The standards are kept under review by Defra’s Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC) which includes leading animal welfare experts.

Ministers have tasked the ZEC with considering whether any changes need to be made to the zoo licensing system. The Department will consider the recommendations when they are received in due course.