Reindeer (Licensing for Exhibition) Bill

A Bill to provide that, for the purposes of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, domesticated reindeer are not wild animals; to make further provision about licensing in respect of the keeping or training of reindeer for exhibition; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sarah DykeLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

25 February 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would treat domesticated reindeer as not wild animals for the purposes of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. It would extend licensing rules to cover keeping or training reindeer for exhibition, and include related provisions to regulate those activities.

Key Points

Domesticated reindeer will be treated as non-wild animals under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 for exhibition purposes.
Licensing requirements will apply to keeping or training reindeer intended for exhibition.
The bill includes related provisions to govern reindeer exhibitions and welfare.
It was introduced in the House of Commons by sponsor Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat); first reading has been completed and the second reading is scheduled.

Progress

The bill has completed its first reading in the Commons and is now at the second reading stage; the second reading is scheduled for 17 April 2026.

Who is affected?

Zoo licensing authorities (local councils)Zoos, wildlife parks and other venues exhibiting reindeerReindeer owners/keepers and trainers involved in exhibitionsAnimal welfare organisations and advocatesMembers of the public attending exhibitions (indirectly affected)

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

10 Dec 2025

2nd readingCommons

17 Apr 2026

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Reindeer (Licensing for Exhibition) Bill

11 Dec 2025

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 April 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.