Exotic dangerous and wild animals licences
The keeping of certain species of animals is controlled by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
No person may keep a dangerous wild animal without having first obtained a licence.
Animals requiring a licence are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) Order 1984 which can be found on the DEFRA website.
Applications for a licence must be made to the council, and a licence may be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has been convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
All dangerous wild animal licences expire on 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the licence holder is to continue to keep the animal(s) named on the licence.
The establishment must meet adequate animal health and welfare standards. Inspections are carried out by animal health inspectors from the Corporation of London Veterinary Service.
Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate:
- it is not contrary to the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds
- the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep the animals listed on the application
- the animal(s) will be kept in accommodation that prevents its escape and is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness
- the animal(s) will be supplied with adequate and suitable food, drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals
- appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the animal(s) in case of fire or other emergency
- all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
- the animal(s) accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise.
Where the council issues a licence, that licence will be subject to such conditions as the council sees fit and in each case these conditions will specify that:
- a) only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal
- b) the animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence
- c) the animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence
- d) the licensee must hold a current insurance policy, approved by the council, which insures against liability for damage caused by the animal
- e) only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept
- f) the licensee shall make a copy of the licence and its contents available to any other person listed on the licence as being able to look after the animal.
The council may at any time revoke or amend any licence condition apart from those covered by a) to f) above
Any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an inspector or authorised veterinary practitioner or veterinary surgeon shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,000.
Where a person keeps an animal without a licence or where a person fails to comply with a licence condition, inspectors from the council may seize the animal and may either retain it, or have it destroyed or disposed of (to a zoo or elsewhere) without compensation to the owner.
Download an application form for a licence to keep dangerous wild animal(s) 
(PDF 101 KB).
Your right of appeal
You can appeal a licence refusal or any conditions to which a licence is subject through a Magistrates' Court.
If the council incurs any expense in seizing, retaining or disposing of an animal then the keeper of the animal shall be liable for these costs.
Further information
Contact the Corporation of London Veterinary Service for advice and information about animal health and welfare licensing requirements. Tel: 020 8897 6741
For an application form, further information about applying for a licence or to make a complaint about an establishment, contact the Licensing Team.
Tel: 020 8359 7995
Fax: 0870 889 6793
E-mail: licensingadmin@barnet.gov.uk
The Licensing Team deals with many of the licences that may be issued by the council. We can provide information and advice about applications, fees, how to apply, whether a licence is needed and how to advertise an application.
We can:
- provide application forms and printed advice.
- provide information about existing licences and current applications.
- receive representations either in favour of or against a licence application.
- deal with requests for a review of a licence in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.
- respond to complaints about licensed premises or premises trading without a licence.
