Private individuals wishing to keep certain dangerous wild animals must have a licence from us.

A list of animals requiring a licence is set out in The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

Apply

To apply for a dangerous wild animal licence, fill in the application form [PDF, 22Kb] and return it to us.

A fee of £336 is payable upon application, plus the vet’s fee.

Send your completed form to: Commercial and Licensing Team, Cambridge City Council, PO Box 700, Cambridge CB1 OJH.

When we receive your application and administration fee, we will contact you to arrange an inspection.

Safety

The act aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances that create no risk to the public and safeguard the welfare of the animals.

Animals 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 unlicensed premises.

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 a qualified veterinary practitioner and a licensing officer.