Dangerous Wild Animals

Who needs to apply for a dangerous wild animals licence.

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 below but as an example it includes some primates, marsupials, carnivores, elephants, 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.

Which animals are classed as dangerous wild animals?

You can view a list of dangerous wild animals here.

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

Your application should be accompanied by the following:

• Public liability insurance that covers injury to third parties caused by animals and damage to property if the animal escapes. Insurance cover should provide cover for up to 5 million for public liability claims.
• A fee of £392.58 (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 to expect following submission of an application

For both new and renewal applications, an email acknowledgement will be sent when the application and supporting documents have been successfully loaded onto the licensing database for processing.

Within 14 days of this acknowledgement you will be contacted by a Licensing Officer to arrange a date for an inspection of the premises.

A veterinarian authorised by this Council will need to visit and carry out an inspection. Where possible the veterinarian will accompany the Licensing Officer at their inspection. Vets fees are charged separately by invoice after the inspection.

Within six to eight weeks your application will be determined. If your application is successful a copy of your licence together with any conditions will be emailed to you for you to print off and display at the premises.

If your application is refused you will be provided with a decision notice stating the reasons for the refusal.

Right of appeal:

If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to a magistrates court. Appeals must be lodged within 21 days of receiving the formal notice of refusal.

Register of Dangerous Wild Animals