Animal activities licensing

You need a licence if you keep or train animals for exhibit, including:

• exhibitions to the public
• performances
• online displays

You must have a licence if you carry out activities such as:

• keeping or training animals for exhibition to the public, in person or online
• using animals in exhibitions for educational or entertainment purposes
• taking animals to a live event such as fairs, weddings or private parties
• running mobile animal exhibits that visit schools or community events
• pony parties where ponies are not ridden
• using animals in films, television or online media

Businesses based outside of England must apply to the first council area where the animals will be kept or exhibited.

See the DEFRA statutory guidance for keeping or training animals for exhibition.

Who does not need a licence

You do not need a licence if animals are exhibited as part of:

• a licensed zoo
• a licensed circus
• scientific procedures licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

Other activities include:

• training or exhibiting animals for sport, such as horse racing or greyhound racing
• animal shows and competitions such as Crufts or trade fairs
• agents who organise exhibitions but do not own or train the animals themselves
• registered charities, unless they are operating the exhibition as a commercial event

How to apply

To apply or renew your licence, you will need to complete and submit the application form.

Send your application to:

Email: Environmental.Health@cumberland.gov.uk

Licence conditions

If you are granted a licence, you must meet conditions covering:

• accommodation, enrichment, feeding and exercise
• record keeping and identification of animals
• veterinary treatment and care
• staff training and supervision

Each licensed business is awarded a star rating from 1 to 5, based on welfare standards and compliance. This rating must be displayed with your licence. Details of how star ratings are calculated are set out in the the DEFRA Procedural Guidance for Local Authorities.

See Schedule 7 of the 2018 Regulations for the full conditions.

Guidance

Read the statutory guidance for keeping or training animals for exhibitions licence on GOV.UK