Dangerous Wild Animals

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and which safeguard the welfare of the animals. Animals which are classified as “dangerous wild animals” are identified in a schedule in the Act.

An application form can be downloaded here (Pdf document size 72 KB) or requested from Customer Services (see our main Licensing Office page for contact details).

The current application fee (April 2009 to March 2010) is £155.00 plus veterinary fees.

In addition to powers of inspection, the Act also gives the Council powers to seize any animal being kept on 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 requirements.