Permit for keeping animals on display
View connections →Apply for a permit if you plan to display animals in a zoo, animal exhibition or circus.
Published by: Finnish Food Authority · Government organisation
Description language: English
Coverage: Finland, excluding Åland
About this service
Description
You need a permit if you plan to display animals in a permanent or travelling animal exhibition or use animals in a circus. The permit is granted by the Finnish Food Authority. Animals may be displayed in zoos, permanent or travelling animal exhibitions, or circuses. * Zoos mainly exhibit animals belonging to wild species. * Permanent animal exhibitions may exhibit animal species permitted in petting farms and, to a limited extent, animal species kept as wild animals. * Travelling animal exhibitions and circuses may only use a more limited range of animal species. A permit may be granted only if the activity meets the requirements concerning animal welfare, animal keeping and the organisation of the activity.
How to use it
Apply for a permit well in advance before starting the activity. Complete the permit application and submit it to the Registry of the Finnish Food Authority. Attach the information and reports required for assessing the activity. The application must include: * the animal species and numbers of animals involved * the places where the animals are kept * information on the qualifications of the persons responsible for animal care * arrangements for animal care * a description of the animals’ participation in circus performances, if the application concerns a circus * a description of how the statutory duties of a zoo are carried out, if the application concerns a zoo. The Finnish Food Authority processes the application and may request additional information if necessary. The Finnish Food Authority may inspect the activity before granting the permit and during the operation. Keep an up-to-date record of the animals covered by the activity.
Conditions
The activity must comply with animal welfare legislation. The animal species used in activities requiring a permit, the conditions in which animals are kept and the organisation of the activity are assessed according to the type of activity. Zoos must promote the conservation of wild fauna and biodiversity and participate in activities that support species conservation in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. Permanent and travelling animal exhibitions and circuses may only use animal species permitted for the type of activity in question. More detailed information on permitted animal species is available in the Finnish Food Authority’s guidance.