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Reindeer

Asked by Sarah DykeLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 19 May 2026UIN 857

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration they have made to adding exemption guidance to farmed reindeer in the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice 2027.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain, published in May 2025, apply to all zoos in Great Britain licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (the 1981 Act).

The 1981 Act provides for exemptions or dispensations for small collections depending on the number and types of animals kept. A collection consisting of just a small number of reindeer (no more than 50) can already apply for a dispensation which can help reduce zoo licensing inspection costs.

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