Written question asked by Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Monday, 22 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Reindeer

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has he made of the adequacy of the classification of farmed reindeers as zoo animals.

Answer

For the purposes of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (the 1981 Act), Defra considers that reindeer are not a species normally domesticated in Great Britain and therefore to be considered “wild animals”.

Any establishment, including farms, where “wild animals” are kept for exhibition to the public (otherwise than for the purpose of a circus, or in a pet shop), to which members of the public have access, with or without charge for admission, on seven days or more in any period of twelve consecutive months will require a zoo licence under the 1981 Act.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 855
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Zoos Reindeer
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Reindeer

Secondary information

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