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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 Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Reindeer: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of changes in interpretation by local authorities of requirements for farmed reindeer licensing on farm business viability.

Answer

Licences for reindeer in England may be required where they are exhibited to the public. The type of licence needed will depend on the nature of the display (permanent or temporary) and whether the reindeer are being exhibited as part of a business. There are also licensing requirements for keeping certain species of reindeer regarded as dangerous, where they are kept outside of a licensed zoo or pet shop.

Licensing decisions are a matter for each local authority, who can decide on the most appropriate type of licence or licences depending on the circumstances of each individual collection.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
856
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Licensing Reindeer
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk