Exotic, dangerous or wild animals

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Act) controls the keeping of certain wild animals.

You cannot keep any dangerous, wild animal without first getting a licence from us.

Eligibility

To get a licence you must:

be over 18
not be disqualified or convicted under the Act
be the person who owns and possesses, or proposes to own and possess, the animal (except in exceptional circumstances)

You must meet certain licence conditions.

Before granting a licence, we must be satisfied that:

it isn’t against the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds
the applicant is suitable to hold a licence to keep the animal
the animal will be kept in accommodation that is suitable:
to prevent escape
in construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness
for it to take adequate exercise
the animal will have enough suitable food, drink and bedding material
the animal will be visited (so far as is necessary) at suitable intervals
appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the animal is protected in case of fire or other emergency
all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases

All licences will have the following conditions:

only the person named on the licence is entitled to keep the animal
the animal will only be kept on the premises named on the licence
the animal will not be moved, or may only be moved, under conditions specified in the licence
the licensee must hold a current insurance policy, approved by us, which insures against liability for damage caused by the animal
only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept
the licensee will make a copy of the licence and its contents available to any other person listed on the licence as being able to look after the animal
we may at any time remove or change any licence condition apart from those that must be satisfied before granting a licence (see ‘licence conditions’ section above)

We may attach other conditions as we see fit.

Please contact us if you wish to apply.

The fee for a year is £585. This is payable at the time you make your application.

The licence runs from 1 January to 31 December. If we grant a licence mid-year, you will pay the amount for part of the year.

You will also be required to pay the cost of inspections.

Licences expire on 31 December.

To continue to keep the animal, you must renew your licence before that date.

You may appeal to the magistrates court if you are unhappy:

You may be fined up to £2,000 if you are found guilty of:

keeping an animal covered by the Act without a licence
failing to follow any conditions of your licence
obstructing or delaying an inspector or authorised veterinary practitioner or veterinary surgeon

We may take the animal and keep it or have it destroyed or disposed of (to a zoo or elsewhere), without compensation to you if you:

If costs are involved in taking, keeping or disposing of an animal, you are liable for those costs.

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