Licence - exotic, dangerous and wild animals - Guidance
This page contains guidance notes and legislation relating
to the exotic, dangerous and wild
animals licence application.
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification Order) 1984
Yes, if it is listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
(Modification) Order schedule, and the animal is not kept in a zoo,
circus, pet shop or laboratory.
Local Authority will look at the following before issuing a
licence:-
1. Is it in the public interest on grounds of safety, nuisance
or otherwise.
2. The suitability of the application.
3. That the accommodation provided for the animal will not allow
it to escape.
4. That the accommodation is suitable as regards construction,
size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, drainage, cleanliness and
suitable for number of animals.
5. That the animal will be supplied with adequate and suitable
food, drink, bedding material and be visited at suitable
intervals.
6. The steps taken for protection of any animal in case of fire
or other emergency are appropriate.
7. All reasonable precautions are to be taken to prevent control
and spread of diseases.
8. That the animal can take adequate exercise.
9. An authorised Veterinary Inspector's report will also be
required.
Local Authority will NOT award a licence unless person owns and
possesses or proposes to own the animal UNLESS exceptional
circumstances.
The licence may be approved or refused.
Shall specify:
- The animal shall be kept by no other person
other than a person specified by name or description in the
licence.
- The animal shall normally be held at such
premises as specified in the licence.
- The animal shall not be moved from premises or
shall only be moved as specified in the licence.
- The applicant holds a current insurance policy
for damage caused by the animal.
- The terms of any policy shall be
satisfactory.
- The conditions restricting the species and
number of animals of each species.
- The person to whom a licence is granted SHALL at
all reasonable times make available a copy of the licence to any
person entitled to keep any animal under the authority of the
licence.
- Any other conditions relating to determination
of licence except (first two).
Local Authority may at any time specify new conditions,
revoke/vary existing licence.
This may be done if the licensee requests it or otherwise.
Applicant can appeal on grounds of refusal, conditions attached,
variations or revocations.
For a new licence for the calendar year from the date on which
it was granted.
For a renewed licence for that year starting from 1 January.
Applicant must reapply before the end of that calendar year.
Local Authority may authorise a vet or other competent person to
inspect any premises where any animal is proposed to be held, is or
may be held. Inspection can be undertaken at any reasonable time to
look at the premises or the animal.
Local Authority has the power to seize and to dispose of/destroy
animals without compensation and claim costs for certain
contraventions.