Services
Dangerous Wild Animals
Who should apply?
Anyone who wishes to keep an animal which is classified as a 'dangerous wild animal' must apply for the relevant licence. To see which animals this applies to, check the Dangerous Wild Animal Schedule.
Applicants may not be granted a licence if they have been convicted of an offence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 or under:
- Protection of Animals Act 1911-1964;
- Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912-1964;
- Pet Animals Act 1951;
- Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963;
- Riding Establishments Act 1964-1970;
- Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.
What are the requirements for a licence?
Applicants must be suitably qualified to keep animals with regard to the type and number proposed to be kept.
Animals will be kept in accommodation that is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
Animals will be adequately supplied with suitable food, drink and bedding materials and (so far as is necessary) visited at suitable intervals.
All reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease amongst the animals.
Appropriate steps will be taken to protect the animals in the case of fire or other emergencies, including the provision of suitable fire fighting equipment.
Where the local authority grants a licence it shall impose conditions on the licence covering issues such as:
Only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal.
The animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence.
The animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the licence.
The licensee must hold a current insurance policy approved by the Council, which insures against liability for damage caused by the animal.
Only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept.
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.
What is the application process?
Anyone wishing to apply must first complete a Dangerous Wild Animal application form and return it with the appropriate fee to the address below.
Upon application for a licence, which has not previously been granted, the premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon and a local authority officer. For subsequent applications the local authority has discretion as to whether the inspection is carried out by a veterinary surgeon or a local authority officer or both. A report, following inspection, shall be considered by the local authority before determining whether or not to grant a licence.
A separate invoice will be issued to cover the vet's costs, once the inspection has taken place. On receipt of this being paid, and the licence conditions being met, your new licence will be sent out.
Once issued, licences will run until the 31st December of that year. Licences run from 1st January - 31st December of any one year.
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
West Lothian Council
County Buildings
High Street
Linlithgow
West Lothian
EH49 7EZ
Updated: 17/04/12
