Report the operation of an animal enclosure

If more than five species of hoofed game or more than 20 animals of other species are kept, the facility may be classified as a zoo. Applications in this regard must be submitted to the nature conservation authority in your district or municipal area.

Enclosures therefore primarily include:

• enclosures for game animals (for example, red deer, fallow deer and wild boar),
• Enclosures for exotic animals,
• aviaries in the garden or elsewhere for keeping parrots, parakeets, European songbirds (e.g. goldfinches, bullfinches, etc.), as well as squirrels.

Essentially, you must bear the following in mind:

Nature conservation

You must notify the nature conservation authorities of enclosures exceeding 50 m² in size and those not subject to state supervision. Depending on the species of animals kept, you must provide evidence that they are kept legally. Depending on the species, there may also be a requirement to register them.

Forestry

For enclosures in the forest, you will need a permit under forestry law.

Planning

If enclosures are extended or newly constructed, you must apply for planning permission. You can submit an application for planning permission via Service-bw under the service ‘Apply for planning permission’.

Veterinary matters

If you keep animals in enclosures, you must have the knowledge and skills required to ensure the animal’s proper nutrition, care and species-appropriate housing. In addition, there are regulations regarding enclosure size and structural requirements that you must comply with. Certain registrations and notifications are also required. If the facility is a zoo in which animals are exhibited, it is subject to authorisation under the Animal Welfare Act.