Private individuals wishing to keep certain dangerous wild animals must apply for a licence from us.
This is set out in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
Safety
The act aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and which safeguard the welfare of the animals.
Animals which are classified as "dangerous wild animals" are identified in an accompanying schedule to the act.
Inspection and enforcement
In addition to powers of inspection, the act also gives us powers to seize any animal being kept on premises which are unlicensed.
Zoos, pet shops and circuses are exempt from the provisions of the act as these premises are subject to separate licensing requirements.
An annual inspection takes place upon renewal of the licence by one of our officers.
Apply
You can apply for a dangerous wild animal licence by downloading the application form and returning it to us.
Once your application and administration fee has been received we will contact you to arrange an inspection.
Completed forms should be sent to:
Environmental Services
Cambridge City Council
PO Box 700
Cambridge CB1 OJH
