Dangerous Wild Animals Act

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The Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 is a law of the United Kingdom that was originally enacted to deal with the increasing fashion in the late 1960's and early 1970's of people keeping exotic pets which were often from the more dangerous species, as well as hybrids between wild and domestic species, such as wolfdogs and Bengal cats. It was increasingly unacceptable -- in regards to public safety -- for the average citizen to be able to acquire a potentially dangerous animal without some form of regulatory control.

Its purpose was to ensure that when private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which do not create risk to the public and safeguard the welfare of the animals.

The Act's schedule designates the species covered, such as many primates, carnivores, bears, larger reptiles, dangerous spiders and scorpions. Keeping such animals without a license is unlawful and the state is also allowed to specify where and how the animal is to be kept. This law also requires keepers to have their animals covered by a satisfactory liability insurance policy.

[edit] How it works

Licenses are required for any animal listed on a schedule under the law. These licenses will only be granted when the authority is satisfied that it would not be contrary to public interest on the grounds of safety or nuisance and that the animal's accommodation is adequate and secure.

Where the local authority grant a license it shall impose conditions on the license covering issues such as:

a requirement that the animal be kept only by a person or persons named on the license;
restrictions on the movement of the animal from the premises as specified on the license; and
a requirement that the license holder has a current insurance policy which ensures both license holders and others against any liability caused by the animal.

The Act does not apply to animals kept in zoos; circuses; pet shops; or registered scientific establishments.