Exotic, dangerous or wild animals

Persons wishing to keep an exotic, dangerous or wild animal as specified in The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) (No.2) Order 2007 must apply to the local authority whose area the animal(s) will be kept in. Once an application is received, the authority will request a veterinary surgeon or practitioner to carry out an inspection at the premises and supply a report. The applicant will be required to pay the costs incurred for this.

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(s) to which the application applies.

The council’s duties when determining applications are listed below. An applicant can appeal a decision or condition to the Magistrates court.

Council’s Duties

Before granting a licence the Licensing Inspector must be satisfied that:

1. It is not contrary to the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds.
2. The applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep the animals listed on the application.
3. The animal(s) will be kept in accommodation that prevents its escape and is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness.
4. That the animal(s) will be supplied with adequate and suitable food drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals.
5. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the animal(s) in case of fire or other emergency.
6. All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
7. The animal(s) accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise.
8. Where the council issues a licence, that licence will be subject to such conditions as the council sees fit and in each case these conditions will specify that:
   
   a) only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal.
   
   b) the animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence.
   
   c) the animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence.
   
   d) the licensee must hold a current insurance policy, approved by the council, which insures against liability for damage caused by the animal.
   
   e) only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept.
   
   f) 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.
9. The council may, at any time, revoke or amend any licence condition apart from those covered by 8 a) to 8 f) above.

Registers

Licensing registers are available to view using the following link.

Public Register