Dangerous Wild Animals

Apply for a dangerous wild animals licence.

Any person keeping any dangerous wild animal is required to hold a licence from the Local Authority.

Certain animals are listed as being dangerous and although you can buy them, you need a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence to keep them. The aim is to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and safeguard the welfare of the animals.

The types of animals that require a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence are wide and varied. A full list is available from the Licensing Office and as an example it includes some primates, marsupials, carnivores, elephants, emu, ostriches, reptiles, spiders and scorpions. Foxes, the raccoon-dog and the domestic dog do not need a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence but hybrids, such as a wolf-hybrid, do require a licence because they are not considered to be a domestic dog.

The Act does not apply to dangerous wild animals kept in a zoo, circus, pet shop or registered scientific establishment as these premises are registered under their own specific legislation.

How to apply

If you want to apply for a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence please download the attached application form, complete it in full and send it together with the fee, to the Licensing Team, Stratford on Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford on Avon, CV37 6HX or, alternatively, you can email the form to Licensing.applications@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Fees

The fee is currently £381.15 which you must submit with your application. Please note that this does not include the veterinary inspection fee which is arranged by the Licensing Authority and charged separately.

Payments can be submitted by cheque made payable to Stratford on Avon District Council or by calling the payments line on 01789 260979

What is a dangerous wild animal?

You can view a list of dangerous wild animals here.

Register of Dangerous Wild Animals