Animal welfare licence

Dangerous Wild Animals Act

You need a licence to keep some animals. They are considered wild, dangerous, or exotic under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

Examples of some dangerous or wild animals:

  • wild cats
  • primates
  • wild dogs, e.g. wolves
  • certain pigs, e.g. wild boar
  • Marsupials

See the full list of animals you need a licence for.

Hybrid or cross-bred animals may need a licence. This depends on how far removed the animal is from its wild ancestor.

For information on how you can apply for a dangerous or wild animal licence, contact licensing@harrow.gov.uk.