S.L. 439.29 Art. 18Closure of a zoo.

(1) If any of the licensing conditions are not met, the

Director may order closure of the zoo or part thereof to the public:

Provided that the Director shall with immediate effect order the closure of a site which is being operated as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations.

(2) Upon closure of the zoo, or part thereof, or upon closure of the site which is being operated as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations, the Director may confiscate on site the animals in question, which might be relocated, locally or abroad at the expense of the license holder or the person operating a site as a zoo which is not licensed in accordance with these regulations, within a period to be specified by the Director.

(3) In the event of a zoo or part thereof being closed or upon closure of a site which is being operated as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations, the Director shall ensure that the animals concerned are treated, or relocated, or where necessary the Director may make any other necessary arrangements in observance of the provisions of these regulations.

(4) Euthanasia of animals is only permissible:

(a) where it conforms with the principles relating to species conservation and welfare, and no other reasonable alternative for relocation or the sheltering of animals has been found; or

(b) to ensure public safety in the event that public safety is compromised by the animals; or

(c) in the interest of animal health and welfare in case potential outbreaks of transmissible animal diseases.

(5) Any dangerous animal which is found in a zoo without the Director’s authorisation by a licence holder, may be placed under the authority of the Director and, or the animal may be relocated to another zoo or place which may be even outside the country at the expense of the licence holder:

Provided that any dangerous animal found without authorisation on a site being operated as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations shall be placed under the authority of the Director and, or the animal may be relocated to a zoo or another place which may also be abroad at the expense of the person operating a site as a zoo which is not licensed in accordance with these regulations.

Provided further that the relocation of the animal which is found in a zoo without authorisation or on a site being operated as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations, shall be carried out by the licence holder or the person who is operating a site as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations in collaboration with the Director, who shall ensure that the animal in question has arrived safely at the designated destination:

Provided further that before the relocation of the animal takes place in accordance with this regulation, the animal shall still be treated and cared for by a licence holder or the person operating a site as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations.

(6) All possible expenses related to this regulation shall be solely borne by the licence holder and, or the person operating a site as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations.

(7) The Director shall not be liable for any matter during confiscation, relocation, transportation, or movement of said animal.

(8) In the interest of public safety and national security, any escape shall be immediately reported by the licence holder or the person operating a site as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations to the competent authorities:

Provided that any expenses incurred by the Director or competent authorities in relation to the capturing of escaped or released animals, shall be borne by the licence holder and, or the person operating a site as a zoo not licensed in accordance with these regulations.