Dangerous Wild Animals Licence
The keeping of certain species of wild animals
is controlled and you will require a licence. Conditions are
attached to each licence that deal with who may keep the animal
concerned, where the animal may be kept, when the animal can be
moved, insurance required and any other matters.
Regulation
The Dangerous Wild
Animals Act 1976 (as amended). (full legislation)
Animals considered to be dangerous wild
animals are listed in the Dangerous
Wild Animals Schedule to the Act. Pet shops, zoos and
circuses are exempt from the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
Apply
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the person making
the application must be the person who owns and possesses or
proposes to own and possess the animal to which the application
applies. Licences are normally granted for a twelve
month period.
Fees
A fee is payable upon application. View the details of animal licensing fees.
Application Evaluation Process
Before granting a licence we 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.
- that 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
The Council will send an inspector to check
that the conditions at the premises are adequate. A veterinarian
must also inspect the premises and submit a report to the Council,
the cost of this is the responsibility of the applicant.
Right 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.
