Dangerous and wild animals licence
If you plan on keeping any animals considered to be dangerous, you must first apply for a licence.
The animals for which a licence is required are listed in The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) (No.2) Order 2007. They include:
- wild cats
- primates
- wild dogs (such as wolves)
- certain pigs (such as wild boar)
- marsupials.
For other animals, we can grant an animal welfare licence. We are also responsible for zoo licensing.
Before granting a licence
Your premises will need to be inspected by a vet before a licence can be granted.
To grant the licence, we must be satisfied that:
- it is not contrary to the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds
- the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep the animals listed on the application and has not been disqualified or convicted under the Act
- the animals will be kept in accommodation that prevents escape and is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness
- the animals will be supplied with adequate and suitable food, drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals
- appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the animals in case of fire or other emergency
- all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
- the animals' accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise.
Application form and fee
To apply for a dangerous wild animal licence, download the application form below:
Complete the form and submit it to us by email to eandr@nfdc.gov.uk or by post to:
Environmental Health
Appletree Court
Beaulieu Road
Lyndhurst
SO43 7PA
The licence fee is £196 plus vet's fees.
Conditions
Conditions apply to the licensing of dangerous animals, including:
- only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal
- the animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence
- the animal may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence
- the licence holder must be insured against liability
- only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept.
Where a person keeps an animal without a licence or where fails to comply with a licence condition, we may seize the animal. We may either retain it or have it destroyed or disposed of (to a zoo or elsewhere) without compensation to the owner.
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