Dangerous wild animals licence

To keep a dangerous wild animal as listed in the Schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 Act, a person must obtain a licence from us. Further information on licenses to keep a wild animal can be found on the GOV.UK website. 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, which include tigers, monkeys, venomous snakes and spiders.

The Act does not apply to 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.

Application evaluation process

An application form must be completed and submitted with the fee. The current fees are available by visiting our Licence Fees webpage.

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 our 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 other animal found there. Where the Licensing Team grants a licence it shall be granted with conditions. These will be standard licence conditions plus any conditions appropriate to the animals 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 two years from the date it is granted.

When should I expect a decision?

The Licensing Team must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within three 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 at the bottom of this page.

Apply

To apply for a dangerous wild animal licence, visit the GOV.UK website

Redress

Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance. Any licence holder unhappy with 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 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, Citizens Advice Bureau 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 us using the licensing complaint form.