Exotic, dangerous or wild animals

No person may keep any dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence from their local authority.

A licence is required for any animal listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) Order 1984.

Licences to Keep Exotic, Dangerous or Wild Animals

Applications for a licence must be made to us and a licence may be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has not been convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

There is an application fee payable at the time an application is made. Currently this fee is £108.80 plus annual veterinary inspection/arrangement fee of £11.50.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the person making the application must be the person who owns and possesses or proposes to own and possess the animal to which the application applies.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 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.

Our duties

Before granting a licence the council must be satisfied that:

• It is not contrary to the public interest on the grounds of safety or nuisance
• 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
• That 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 we issue a licence, that licence will be subject to such conditions as we see fit and in each case these conditions will specify that:

• Only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal
• The animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence
• The animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence;
• The licensee must hold a current insurance policy, approved by the council, which insures against liability for damage caused by the animal
• Only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept
• 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. 

Your Rights of Appeal

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which the licence is subject, may appeal to the Magistrates' Court and the court may give such direction regarding the licence and its conditions as it thinks proper.

Offences and Penalties

Anybody found guilty of keeping an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without a licence to do so or anybody found guilty of failing to comply with any licence condition shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,000.

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 without compensation to the owner.

Where we incur any expense in seizing, retaining or disposing of an animal then the person who was the keeper of the animal will be liable for those costs.

Further Information

Download an Application Form for a Exotic, Dangerous and Wild Animals Licence from the link at the bottom of this page.

Paying online

Have you received a Licensing Invoice and want to Pay Online? You will need the invoice number to make a payment.

Contact Details

Licensing
Town Hall
Bank Road
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3NN

Tel: 01629 761 313
Fax: 01629 761 165
Email: licensing@derbyshiredales.gov.uk