Licence - exotic, dangerous or wild animals

Description

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 states that licences are required from the local authority to keep certain animals. An application must be made to the local authority who will inspect the premises where the animal is to be kept with a vet to ensure that the conditions, cages, food, etc. are suitable.

The animals for which a licence is required before they may be kept are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) Order 1984

Eligibility

No person may keep any dangerous wild animals without first obtaining a licence from the Council.

Applications for a licence must be made to the Council, and a licence may be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has been convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the person making the application must be the person who owns and possesses or proposes to own and possess the animal to which the application applies.

Procedure

Applicants should contact the Council using the details provided.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which it relates and must be renewed before that date if the licence holder is to continue to keep the animal(s) named on the licence.

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

Your Rights of Appeal

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which the licence is subject, may appeal to the Magistrates Court and the Court may give such direction regarding the licence and its conditions as it thinks proper.

Helplines

Regulatory Services, Animal Health (01226) 773860/ 772532

Charges/Fees

There is an application fee payable at the time an application is made. Currently this fee is £146.00

The applicant will also be required to pay the cost of inspections carried out by the Council's authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary practitioner.

Offences and Penalties

Anybody found guilty of keeping an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without a licence to do so or anybody found guilty of failing to comply with any licence condition shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £5,000.

Any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector or Authorised Veterinary Practitioner of Veterinary Surgeon shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £5,000.

Where a person keeps an animal without a licence or where a person fails to comply with a licence condition, Inspectors from the Council may seize the animal and may either retain it or have it destroyed or disposed of (to a zoo or elsewhere) without compensation to the owner.

Where the Council incurs any expense on seizing, retaining or disposing of an animal then the person who was the keeper of the animal shall be liable for those costs.

Methods of Payment Available

Cash or cheque

Opening Times/Locations

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

How the customer can help

Please complete all relevant sections of the application form clearly, accurately and legibly.

Please return the form in plenty of time for a new licence to be granted or an old licence renewed.

Application form references

Dangerous Wild Animals application form

Leaflets

Schedule of Species

The Keeping of Wild Animals

The Keeping of Wolf-Hybrids in Great Britain

Distribution Points

Leaflets are available from Defra (see associated links)

Legislation

• The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976

Response Times/Next Steps

An initial response will be provided within 5 working days

Owner Officer Contact Details

Animal Health Officer
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

Telephone Number:- 01225 772532/ 773860

Related Links:

• Defra Dangerous Wild Animals publications