Dangerous Wild Animals
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The Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and safeguard the welfare of the animals.
You can download the full list of the animals covered by the Act at the bottom of the page.
Who needs a dangerous wild animals licence?
The Act was originally introduced as a private members bill in response to public concern about the keeping of dangerous pets, especially big cats.
Licences are required for any animal which appears on the list of animals covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, available as a downloadable document at the bottom of the page.
Licences will only be granted when the Sheffield City Council is satisfied that it would not be contrary to public interest on the grounds of safety or nuisance; that the applicant is a suitable person; and the animal's accommodation is adequate and secure.
You can download an application form at the bottom of the page.
Where the local authority grants a licence it will impose conditions on the licence, available as a downloadable document at the bottom of the page, 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.
The Act does not apply to any dangerous wild animal kept in a zoo, circus, pet shop or registered scientific establishment.
If you are considering keeping a hybrid of a dangerous wild animal with domestic cats and dogs please contact us for further information.
How much will the licence cost?
The fee for a new application is currently £170 and must be submitted on application (vets fees are additional to this amount and are payable directly to the vet at inspection).
The renewal fee for a dangerous wild animal licence is £148 (+ vets fees).
How long will the application take?
It is advisable to submit your application to the Licensing General Section as soon as possible as your application could take up to two months to be administered.
Once your application is submitted, a copy is sent to the Animal Control and Enforcement Section who will arrange to inspect your premises. During busy times, for example at the end of the year when there are a large number of renewals of licences, it is not guaranteed that an appointment will be made straight away.
How long will the licence be in force?
Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on 31st December of the year to which it relates and must be renewed before that date if you wish to carry on keeping an animal on the list.
Downloads
The list of animals covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (8.73 KB)
Application form to complete for a dangerous wild animal licence. (45 KB)
The conditions that must be adhered to once a dangerous wild animal licence is granted. (23.5 KB)
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