Licence - dangerous animals
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; use the contact details to the right
to get in touch with us.
The animals for which a licence is required before they may be
kept are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
(Modification) Order 1984.
Licences to keep exotic, dangerous or wild animals
Applications for a licence must be made to us, and a licence may
be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has been
convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
There is an application fee payable at the time an application
is made.
The applicant will also be required to pay the cost of
inspections carried out by the Council's authorised Veterinary
Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner.
Except in 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.
Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent
licence will expire on the 31 December of the year to which the
licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the licence
holder is to continue to keep the animal(s) named on the
licence.
Our duties
Before granting 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.
- 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.
- 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, approved by
the Council, 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.
- The Council may at any time revoke or amend any licence
condition.
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, Inspectors from the
Council 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 the Council incurs 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.
Further information
Copies of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and other
legislation mentioned here are avaolable at from the Office of
Public Sector Information.
A copy of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 can be inspected
at the address above where you may also obtain an application form
and further help or advice.