Dangerous Wild Animals

To keep any dangerous wild animal, other than in a circus, a licensed pet shop or premises designated for use for scientific purposes, you need a licence from the local authority. The Local Authority may prescribe conditions on which the licence will be granted.

Summary of legislation

A summary of the legislation relating to this licence can be found here.

Conditions will relate to the species and number of animals being kept.

Who needs to notify/apply?

Any fit and proper person, who is not under the age of 18 years nor disqualified under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 from keeping any dangerous wild animals, may apply. They must pay any required fee and comply with any conditions attached to a licence. The person applying must both own and possess, or propose to both own and possess, any animal concerned.

How long will it take to consider the notification/application?

Following receipt of your completed application form, together with the fee, the premises and any animals will be inspected by a local authority officer and veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner authorised by the local authority. Following receipt of the report of inspection, where the local authority is satisfied that the licence may be granted with or without conditions, you will be notified within 10 working days.

How much will it cost to notify/apply?

The fee for a dangerous wild animal licence can be found here. You will also be responsible for payment of any fee for the veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner’s report before the licence is granted.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the local authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us at the address given below.

How do I apply?

You can download an application form here, complete it and print it and send it to the contact address given below. The licence will be issued subject to compliance with licence conditions and payment of the licence fee.

If my application is refused, how do I appeal?

You may appeal to a Magistrates’ Court if you are aggrieved by a refusal of a licence or by any condition subject to which a licence is proposed to be granted.

What if I have a complaint or concern?

Contact us in the first instance at the address below. Otherwise, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice.

From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Public register?

There is no public register of holders of dangerous wild animal licences.

For further information

For further information, please contact us at the address given below.

Contact information