Dangerous and Wild Animal Licences
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 sets out the definition of the types of animals covered by the legislation, the need for licences and the procedure to be followed by Councils in considering applications. Anyone keeping an animal listed in the Act must be licensed by the Local Authority. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
You can download the list of Dangerous Wild Animals form Defra's website or request a copy from the North Ayrshire's Licensing Office, contact details can be found on the right hand side of this page.
All applicants must be over 18 and have ownership and possession of the animals to which the application relates. They must also have adequate liability insurance in place before an application can be granted.
You can download a Dangerous Wild Animals Application pack (Word 67.5Kb)
Alternatively, an application pack can be obtained using the contact details on the right of this page.
Completed application forms should also be sent to the contact details at the right of this page. The application form should be accompanied by the non refundable fee.
Applications should be on the form provided by the Council and all sections should be completed. A fee is payable on submission of the application. The fee must cover the Council's costs in considering the application and may vary upon the types of animal and the consultations required. Applications may cover more than one animal or type of animal.
The legislation lays down certain criteria which the Council must consider while processing any application. These are:
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suitability of the applicant
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adequacy of food, drink and bedding
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fire and emergency precautions
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exercising of the animal
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control and prevention of infectious diseases
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accommodation: security, construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, drainage, and cleanliness;
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public safety and nuisance
Before granting a licence the Council must consider each of these matters.
Expert advice will be sought on animal welfare from a suitable vet, who requires to inspect the proposed premises. Once these consultations are complete, a report will be submitted to the Licensing Committee of the Council who will determine the applications.
It is in the public interest that North Ayrshire Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Licensing Office within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this using the contact details to the right of this page.
This is likely to be 8 to 12 weeks after the application is submitted for new licences but may take longer depending on the availability of a vet with experience in dealing with the particular type of animal or animals. Renewals will be dealt with more quickly.
Please contact the Licensing Office to obtain the relevant fee.
The fee is not returnable if you decide to withdraw the application or if the licence is refused.