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<p>The welfare of animals kept in zoos in England is covered by the Animal Welfare
Act 2006 and the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The 2006 Act allows action to be taken where
there is evidence of cruelty to an animal or a failure to provide for its welfare.
The 2006 Act applies to zoo animals. Further to these general provisions, the welfare
of animals in zoos in Great Britain is specifically covered by the 1981 Act.</p><p>
</p><p>Under the 1981 Act zoos must comply with comprehensive animal health, welfare
and husbandry standards, and be subject to an annual local authority inspection. Zoos
have to be inspected at least every year by a local authority, with an inspection
every two to three years using inspectors drawn from a list of qualified zoo inspectors
kept by Defra. Defra also maintains the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo
Practice. These are detailed standards for zoo management with which zoos are expected
to comply. The standards are kept under review by Defra’s Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC)
which includes leading animal welfare experts.</p><p> </p><p>The ZEC’s role is to
provide independent, technical advice to UK Governments on zoo matters. ZEC’s remit
includes keeping the operation and implementation of the zoo licensing system in the
UK under review, and to advise, or make recommendations to, Defra or devolved governments,
in relation to any legislative or administrative changes that may be necessary. Following
the recent case in Cumbria, Lord Gardiner has tasked the ZEC with considering whether
any further steps need to be taken to ensure animal welfare in zoos.</p>
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