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Home Page > Environment and Planning > Licences and street trading > Exotic, Dangerous or Wild Animals
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Exotic, Dangerous or Wild AnimalsBison

The keeping of certain species of wild animals is controlled by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. No person may keep any dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence from their local authority. The animals for which a licence is required before they may be kept are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) (No.2) Order 2007.

 

Licences are granted for a full calendar year running from 1st January to 31 December.

 

Before granting a license 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.

 

The Council may at any time revoke or amend any licence condition apart from those covered by 8 a) to 8 f) above

 

Exemptions

This licensing procedure does not apply to animals kept in:

  • a zoological garden;
  • circus;
  • pet shops;
  • places registered under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 for the purpose of performing experiments.

 

Hybrids

Hybrids of domestic animals with animals covered under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act generally require licensing. Please contact us for further details.

 

 

Further information:

 

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