§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the regulations under which private zoos may be permitted; the conditions which apply to them; and the primary legislation under which such regulations were made.
§ Mr. MonroThere is no legislation specifically prescribing conditions for the operation of private zoos. Such establishments are, however, covered by general legislation concerning the health and safety of employees and the public, the liability at civil law for damage caused by wild animals and the protection of animals from cruelty. They are also covered by general planning legislation.
Relevant statutes include the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Animals Act 1971, the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1971.
§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many wild animals have escaped from zoos, zoo parks and circus menageries in the last 10 years; how many have been recaptured: how many have been shot dead; and how many are still at large;
(2) how many persons have been killed or injured by animals that have escaped from zoos, zoo parks or circus menageries in the last 10 years.
§ Mr. MonroThis information is not available and could not be collected without disproportionate expense.