Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 (22 July) is a law of the United Kingdom that was originally enacted to deal with the increasing fashion in the late 1960s and early 1970s of people keeping interesting pets which were often from the more dangerous species, as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 seen as 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 kept 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, larger or venomous reptiles, dangerous spiders and scorpions. Keeping such animals without a licence 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.

How it works

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

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

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

External links

• Official text of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 as amended and in force today within the United Kingdom, from the UK Statute Law Database
• Official text of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 as originally enacted within the United Kingdom, from the UK Statute Law Database