You need a licence to keep any animal listed as a dangerous wild animal.
For more information about this subject please follow the link on this page to the Defra website. This will also give up to date information about the list of species covered by the legislation.
Exceptions
The following premises are exempt from licensing under this legislation:
Zoos
Circuses
Licensed pet shops
Places registered under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Applying for a licence
When we receive your completed application and fee we will arrange for an inspection of the premises by a suitably qualified veterinary inspector that will result in a report upon the suitability of the application. The application must be made by the person who proposes to own and possess the animal concerned.
A licence will not be granted unless the council is satisfied that:
It is not contrary to the public interest on grounds of safety, nuisance or otherwise to grant it.
The applicant is a suitable person to hold such a licence.
The animal’s accommodation will be escape-proof and suitable as regards construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, drainage, cleanliness and the number of animals that can be suitably accommodated.
The animal will be supplied with adequate and suitable food, drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals.
The animal will be protected in case of fire or other emergency.
All reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
The animal can take adequate exercise within its accommodation.
When considering the application for the licence we will consider the above and the veterinary report. We will also consult other parties these might include the emergency services and the housing provider if the premises is rented.
We may impose conditions on the licence to ensure that appropriate welfare standards are met and that public safety is not compromised. You will also be required to hold a suitable insurance policy covering potential liabilities arising from the keeping of the animals concerned.
Licence fees
You will need to pay a fee to cover our costs in administering the licence. You will also be expected to re-imburse us for the cost of the veterinary inspection.
Licence fees are charged annually upon application for renewal. Please note that a licence will expire on 31 December each year. Therefore a licence granted initially during a year will only remain valid for the remainder of it.
Other issues
You must ensure that any other necessary general regulatory approval, such as planning permission, is also in place.
Contact us
Email: animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk
Animal Warden Team
Environment
London Borough of Hounslow
Bridge Road Depot
Pears Road
Hounslow
TW3 1SQ
Tel:020 8583 5555
Fax:020 8583 5088
Minicom: 020 8583 6622