Exotic, dangerous or wild animal licence

The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluated:

• conditions that, while any animal concerned is being kept only under the authority of the licence,-
  • the animal shall be kept by no person other than such person or persons as is or are specified (whether by name or description) in the licence;
  • the animal shall normally be held at such premises as are specified in the licence;
  • the animal shall not be moved from those premises or shall only be moved from them in such circumstances as are specified in the licence;
  • the person to whom the licence is granted shall hold a current insurance policy which insures him and any other person entitled to keep the animal under the authority of the licence against liability for any damage which may be caused by the animal; and
  • the terms of any such policy shall be satisfactory in the opinion of the authority;
• conditions restricting the species (whether one or more) of animal, and number of animals of each species, which may be kept under the authority of the licence;
• a condition that the person to whom the licence is granted shall at all reasonable times make available a copy of the licence to any person entitled to keep any animal under the authority of the licence;
• such other conditions as in the opinion of the authority are necessary or desirable for the purpose of securing the objects specified in paragraphs (c) to (f) of subsection (3) of this section.

The period of validity of a licence for dangerous wild animals is a maximum of two calendar years.

Do I need written permission?

Yes - It is in the public interest that the Council must deal with your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. If you have applied online you can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service. If you have applied in writing or wish to contact the Licensing Authority by another method please telephone the Animal Welfare team.

Granting a licence

Applicants must be over the age of 18 years of age.

The 1976 Act stops the Council from granting a licence unless it is it satisfied that:

• It is not against the public interest on the grounds of safety, nuisance or otherwise to grant the licence
• The person applying is a suitable person to hold a licence under this Act
• Any animal being kept must remain in the Council area that grants the licence
• Animals are kept in a secure place which means it cannot escape and that is suitable in construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, drainage and cleanliness for the number of animals being kept. The animal will be given enough suitable food, drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals
• There are plans to protect the animal in case of fire or emergency
• Steps are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
• The animal has enough room to exercise properly

Supplementary information

The provisions of this Act shall not apply to any dangerous wild animal kept in:

• A zoo within the meaning of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 for which a licence is in force (or is not for the time being required) under that Act
• A circus
• Premises licensed as a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951
• A place which is a designated establishment within the meaning of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 

How to apply

Complete an exotic, dangerous or wild animal licence application form