Dangerous wild animal licence

This licence ensures that private individuals who keep dangerous wild animals do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and which safeguard the welfare of the animals under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Animals which are classified as dangerous wild animals are identified in an accompanying schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

In addition to powers of inspection, the Act also gives the Council powers to seize any animal being kept on the premises which are unlicensed. Zoos, pet shops and circuses are exempt from the provisions of the Act as these premises are subject to separate licensing conditions.

The timescale for determining this application is 56 days from the receipt by this authority of an acceptable and complete application. A vet inspection is required for the licence and is paid by the applicant in addition to the application fee.

A dangerous wild animals licence is valid from grant or 1 January until the 31 December the following year to a maximum of 24 months.