Licence summary
To keep a Dangerous Wild Animal as listed in the Schedule to the Act (see below) a person must obtain a licence from the local authority. These include amongst many other animals such as tigers, monkeys, venomous snakes and spiders.
The Act does not contain a definition for a dangerous wild animal, instead it lists in a Schedule those animals that are subject to the provisions of the Act.
The Act does not apply to those dangerous wild animals kept in zoos, circuses, pet shops or designated establishments within the meaning of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, as these are covered by separate legislation
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be over 18 years of age and must have not been disqualified under this act from keeping any dangerous wild animal.
Regulation Summary
Further information on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 can be found on the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website.
Application Evaluation Process
An application form must be completed and submitted with the fee.
The fee for a new application is £375
The fee for a renewal application is £183
Before deciding an application the Licensing Team must consider a report from a veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing whether the premises are suitable to house the particular dangerous wild animal declared on the application.
Once your application is received, a licensing officer will contact you to make arrangements to carry out an inspection of your premises with the council's authorised vet. The inspection will be to ensure that the premises meet the required standards in the legislation, to decide whether the premises are such that any animal proposed to be kept under the authority of the licence may suitably be held there, and describing the condition of the premises and of any animal or other thing found there.
Where the Licensing Team grant a licence it shall be granted with conditions. These will be standard licence conditions plus any conditions relevant to the animal/s being subject to the licence including:
- a requirement that the animal be kept only by a person or persons named on the licence.
- a requirement that the applicant is a suitable person and the animal's accommodation is adequate and secure.
- restrictions on the movement of the animal from the premises as specified on the licence.
- a requirement that the licence holder has a current insurance policy which ensures both licence holders and others against any liability caused by the animal.
Conditions can be attached to a licence to ensure that the above are complied with.
A licence is valid for 2 years from the date of grant.
When should I expect a decision?
It is in the public interest that the Licensing Team must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the licensing team within 3 months of the application please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply
Please contact the Licensing Team at the below address to request an application form.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the first instance.
Any licence holder aggrieved by a condition attached to a licence may appeal in writing within 21 days to the council's Licensing Committee. Alternatively you may appeal within 21 days to the Magistrates Court.
Licence Holder Redress
Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court appeal in writing within 21 days to the council's Licensing Committee. Alternatively you may appeal within 21 days to the Magistrates Court.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
If you are not happy about other issues such as nuisance (for example noise, dust and drainage), please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Applications or general enquiries should be addressed to the Licensing Team at the address below.
Licensing Team
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 4AH
01256 844844
licensing@basingstoke.gov.uk
