Dangerous wild animal licence

The keeping of certain species of wild animals is controlled by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

A licence is required to keep:

  • wild cats
  • primates
  • wild dogs, e.g. wolves
  • certain pigs, e.g. wild boar
  • marsupials

A full list of the animals that require a licence is available on the Legislation UK web site.

This need for a licence aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals, they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public, and which safeguard the welfare of the animal.

How long is it valid for?

Licences are valid for two years from the date of issue.

Requirements

Before issuing a licence, the licensing inspector must be satisfied that:

  • it is not contrary to the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds
  • the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep the animals listed on the application
  • the animal(s) will be kept in accommodation that prevents its escape and is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness
  • the animal(s) will be supplied with adequate and suitable food, drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals
  • appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the animal(s) in case of fire or other emergency
  • all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
  • the animal(s) accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise

If appropriate the applicant will need to obtain planning approval or building regulation consent for any required structure separately.

Conditions

Where we issue a licence, the licence will be subject to some conditions:

  • only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal
  • the animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence
  • the animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence
  • the licensee must hold a current insurance policy, that we have approved, 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 shall 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 revoke or amend any licence condition.

Policies

Your rights of appeal

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.

Offences and penalties

Anybody found guilty of keeping an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without a licence to do so or anybody found guilty of failing to comply with any licence condition shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,000.

Any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an inspector or authorised veterinary practitioner or veterinary surgeon shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,000.

Where a person keeps an animal without a licence or where a person fails to comply with a licence condition, our inspectors 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.

Refund policy

Please note that refunds of licence fees are not normally given. Only in exceptional circumstances, as deemed by the licensing manager, will a refund be considered. Any refunds given may be subject to an administration charge.

Failed application redress

Please contact environmental health on 01782 717717 in the first instance. Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local magistrates' court.

Licence holder redress

Please contact environmental health on 01782 717717 in the first instance. Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local magistrates' court.

Owner responsibilities 

A person is held to be the keeper of the animal if they have it in their possession. They remain the 'keeper' and therefore are responsible for the animal, even if it escapes or it is being transported. A licence holder has to contact the licensing authority for approval if animals are to be moved to another destination.

Permission must be sought if the animal is to be moved into another borough or county. The relevant local authorities are required to consult with each other before permission can be granted.