Dangerous wild animal licence

If you want to keep an animal that is classed as a dangerous wild animal, you must apply for a licence.

Examples include:

• spider monkeys
• ostriches
• wolves
• certain poisonous snakes, spiders and scorpions

The full list is available in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

We may remove any animal being kept without a valid licence.

How to apply

Anyone aged 18 or over can apply.

Before you apply make sure you are familiar with the general license conditions. These can be viewed on Dangerous wild animal license conditions

1. complete the Dangerous wild animals licence application form

2. pay the application fee

What happens next

• your application will be assessed by Environmental Health and a veterinarian.
• if approved, you will normally receive your licence within two months.

We must process your application before a licence can be issued, so tacit consent does not apply. If you haven’t heard from us within 28 days, contact Environmental Services for an update.

Can anyone object?

Yes. Nearby residents or other interested parties can submit objections.

Cost

The fee is £184.38.