§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what laws govern the use by zoo operators engaging in street photography using squirrel monkeys as props.
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§ Mr. MacleanUnder the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, zoo operators must have a valid zoo licence and any animal removed from zoo must be in their personal possession or that of competent persons acting on their behalf. All zoo licences require the operator to notify the local licensing authority before removing a squirrel monkey, or any other animal listed in the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. The operator must provide details of the destination and method of transportation of the animal and the arrangements for its well-being and public safety.
A zoo keeper would also be bound by the provisions of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 which makes it an offence to cause or, in the case of an owner, permit any unnecessary suffering to a captive animal.