Dangerous wild animals

What counts as a dangerous wild animal?

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 states that licences are required from the local authority to keep certain animals specified in the act.

You can download the full list of animals that require a license below.

Conditions

Environmental health officers inspect the premises where the animal is to be kept with a vet to ensure that the conditions, cages, food, etc, are suitable.

The general conditions subject to which the licence is granted includes:

1. While any animal is being kept under the authority of the licence:

   • the animal shall be kept by no person other than the person or persons specified

   • the animal shall normally be held at such premises as are specified

   • the animal shall not be moved from those premises [except in the following circumstances, namely under safe and properly controlled conditions to the premises of a registered veterinary surgeon for treatment purposes only: or to the premises of another licence holder, whose licence permits the keeping of this type of animal]

   • the person to whom the licence is granted shall hold a current insurance policy which insures him or 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, the terms of such policy being satisfactory in the opinion of the authority

2. The species and number of animals of each species which may be kept under the authority of the licence shall be restricted to those specified.

3. 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.

Changes to primate keeping

The Government has introduced new arrangements for the keeping of primates in England. In certain circumstances, people keeping monkeys and other primates may be required to meet zoo-level welfare standards or obtain the appropriate licence.

If you currently keep, or intend to keep, a primate, you should contact the Council's Animal Licensing Team for advice on the licensing requirements that apply to your circumstances before acquiring or keeping the animal.

Further information is available from DEFRA guidance on primate welfare and licensing requirements.

Fees

The fees for dangerous wild animals are payable in two parts: 

1. An application fee to be submitted with your application forms (non refundable)

2. A grant fee that payable after your inspection (non refundable)

Fee details

• Application fee: £217

• Grant fee (two year licence): £109

• Variation fee: £81 per hour of officer time

All the above fees do not include any charges incurred from a vet inspection which may have to be paid in addition to the licensing fee. A variation fee will be charged for any required changes to the licence once it has been issued.

Refunds for new applications

If no visit or work has been undertaken by the officer a full refund will be made, less a £11 administration fee. Vet cancellation fees will also be paid by the applicant.

If an officer has commenced work on the application or visited the premises, no refund will be available.

Refunds for renewals

No refunds are available.

How to apply

Please download and complete the application form below.

This page was last updated on 4 August 2026