Dangerous wild animals licence
You must have a licence to keep any animal listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. This law ensures that such animals are kept in secure, safe conditions that protect both the public and the animals themselves.
On this page
— Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
— Applying for a licence
— Conditions, standards and guidance
— Licence fees
— Refusal, revocation, suspension or variation of a licence
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 exists to regulate the keeping of certain kinds of dangerous animals, not including those kept in a zoo, circus, licensed pet shop, or registered for the purpose of experiments. The assumption of possession continues even if the animal escapes or is being transported. Premises must be inspected by a vet before a licence can be granted, and the Council must decide that it would not be contrary to the public interest on the grounds of safety, nuisance, animal welfare or otherwise to issue a licence.
Specific conditions apply to the licensing of dangerous animals, including:
- Requirements that they will not be moved from the licensed premises (unless allowed for in the licence)
- The licence holder must be insured against liability
- Restrictions on the species and number of animals to be kept.
Other appropriate conditions will also be added to licences.
If a dangerous wild animal is being kept without the authority of a licence or in contravention of a licence condition, the local authority may seize the animal and retain it, destroy it or otherwise dispose of it - in these circumstances, any costs would be met by the owner.
We are responsible for licensing establishments, shops or individuals that fall under this legislation. Licences run for 2 years from the date of issue. The licence charges are listed below.
Applying for a licence
To make an application, complete the online form - you can register with our website or use the 'Guest' button, which does not require you to sign in.
Please contact us if you have any queries:
- Email: eh@winchester.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01962 848097
Conditions, standards and guidance
Winchester City Council must impose any conditions on the licence that it considers to be necessary, such as:
- Animals will be kept in accommodation that is suitable regarding size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, and cleanliness
- Animals will be supplied with adequate food, drink, and bedding material
- Animals will be adequately exercised and visited regularly
- Precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of infectious or contagious diseases
- Appropriate steps will be taken in case of fire or other emergency.
Additionally, veterinary surgeons and practitioners, local authority officers, or competent persons authorised by the local authority may inspect licensed premises and any animals found there at any reasonable time. Unlicensed premises may be inspected by applying for a warrant.
You can read the full text of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 on the government website.
Licence fees
For 2024/25 the cost is £383 plus full cost of vets inspection. You will be invoiced for the full amount after your veterinary inspection has taken place.
For new applicants, there may be works or paperwork to be completed following inspection before a licence can be granted. These will need to be completed as quickly as possible and, in the event that the applicant has not completed required works within a year of inspection, the licence will automatically be refused.
Refusal of a licence
A licence will be refused:
- if the applicant is under 18
- if the applicant has been disqualified from keeping an animal or from holding a licence relating to the keeping of animals
- if conditions of the licence are not met
- if it is contrary to the public interest on the grounds of safety, nuisance or otherwise to grant the licence
- if the applicant for the licence is not a suitable person to hold a licence under this Act
- if the welfare of the animal(s) is compromised
If a licence is refused or conditioned, the applicant may appeal to a magistrates court against the refusal or a particular condition. The courts may revoke a licence and disqualify a defendant from holding an animal licence for a set period of time.