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Exotic or wild animal licence

The keeping of certain species of wild animals is controlled by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. No person may keep any dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence from their local authority.

The animals for which a licence is required before they may be kept are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) Order 1984.

How to apply?

Applications for a licence must be made to the Local Authority, and a licence may be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has been convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

For an application please contact us:

Licensing Team

Ty Elai,

Dinas Isaf East
Williamstown
Tonypandy
CF40 1NY

Tel: 01443 425001 
Fax: 01443 425301 

Out of Hours Emergency Telephone: 01443 425011 (evening and weekends)

There is a fee payable at the time an application is made.

Currently this fee is £350.00 for a two yearly licence.

The applicant will also be required to pay the cost of inspections carried out by the Council's authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the person making the application must be the person who owns and possesses or proposes to own and possess the animal to which the application applies.

Receipt of application notification:

If making an application online you will receive a notification of receipt of payment once a payment has been successfully made. You will then receive an e-mail notification that your application is being processes.

If an application is sent into our Licensing department you will receive a letter notifying you that the application is being processes along with a receipt of payments made within 7 working days 

If you hand an application form into our reception office you will receive a receipt of payment immediately and will receive a letter notifying you that the application is being processes within 7 working days

Complaints / objections

If you have a complaint either about the license application or regarding our procedures please contact the Licensing Team on 01443 425001 and ask for a Licensing Officer.

Council's Duties

Before granting a licence the Licensing Inspector must be satisfied that:

  • it is not contrary to the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds
  • the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep the animals listed on the application
  • the animal(s) will be kept in accommodation that prevents its escape and is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness
  • that the animal(s) will be supplied with adequate and suitable food drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals
  • appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the animal(s) in case of fire or other emergency
  • all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
  • the animal(s) accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise.
  • where the Council issues a licence, that licence will be subject to such conditions as the Council sees fit and in each case these conditions will specify that:

a. Only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal

b. The animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence

c. The animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence

d. The licensee must hold a current insurance policy, approved by the Council, which insures against liability for damage caused by the animal

e. Only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept

f. The licensee shall make a copy of the licence and its contents available to any other person listed on the licence as being able to look after the animal

  • the Council may at any time revoke or amend any licence condition apart from those covered by 8 a) to 8 f) above

Your Rights of Appeal

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which the licence is subject, may appeal to the Magistrates Court and the Courts may give such direction regarding the licence and its conditions, as it deems necessary.

Offences and Penalties

Anybody found guilty of keeping an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without a licence to do so or anybody found guilty of failing to comply with any licence condition shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,000.

  • person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector or Authorised Veterinary Practitioner or Veterinary Surgeon shall be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,000.
  • a person keeps an animal without a licence or where a person fails to comply with a licence condition, Inspectors from the Council may seize the animal and may either retain it or have it destroyed or disposed of (to a zoo or elsewhere) without compensation to the owner.
  • the Council incurs any expense in seizing, retaining or disposing of an animal then the person who was the keeper of the animal shall be liable for those costs.

Further Information

Copies of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and other legislation mentioned in this information sheet can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

A copy of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 can be inspected at the Council Offices where you may also obtain an application form and further help or advice.