The keeping of certain species of wild animals is controlled by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. No person may keep any dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence from us.
The animals for which a licence is required before they may be kept are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
How to apply
You must:
- be the person who owns or plans to own the animal
- pay an application fee
- pay the cost of inspections carried out by our authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner.
We will not issue a licence if you have been disqualified or convicted under the act.
Licences expire on 31 December each year. You must renew your licence before this date to continue keeping the animal.
Apply for a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence
View fees and charges
What we check before granting a licence
We must be satisfied that:
- it is not against the public interest (for safety, nuisance or other reasons)
- you are a suitable person to hold the licence
- the animal(s) will be kept in secure and suitable accommodation
- the animal(s) will have proper food, drink, bedding and care
- there are plans in place for emergencies like fire
- steps are taken to prevent the spread of disease
- the animal can exercise properly
Licence conditions
If we grant a licence, it will include conditions such as:
- only the person named on the licence can keep the animal
- the animal must stay at the address on the licence
- the animal can only be moved under the licence conditions
- you must have approved insurance for damage caused by the animal
- only the species and number listed on the licence can be kept
- you must share a copy of the licence with anyone else caring for the animal
We may change or revoke licence conditions at any time.
Appeals, offences and penalties
Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which the licence is subject, may appeal to the Magistrates Court and the Courts may give such direction regarding the licence and its conditions as it thinks proper.
You may be fined up to £2,000 if you:
- keep a dangerous wild animal without a licence
- break any licence condition
- obstruct or delay an inspector or vet
Where a person keeps an animal without a licence or where a person fails to comply with a licence condition, we may seize the animal and may either retain it or have it destroyed or disposed of (to a zoo or elsewhere) without compensation to the owner.
Where we incur any expense in seizing, retaining or disposing of an animal then the person who was the keeper of the animal shall be liable for those costs.