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Almost 4,000 dangerous wild animals are being kept privately in the UK
Born Free found that DWA licences have been granted for the private ownership of 274 primates, including more than 150 lemurs.

Lions, primates and elephants among 'pet' animals revealed in survey.

A new survey by Born Free has found that nearly 4,000 dangerous wild animals are being kept privately in the UK. The charity is calling on the government to review licencing laws immediately in order to protect the welfare of these animals.

Currently, under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, anyone in Britain can keep a dangerous wild animal as long as they obtain a licence from their local authority.

Born Free investigated the number of Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) Act licences granted by local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, and the variety of species being privately kept.

Findings highlighted that in 2020, a total of 210 DWA licences were granted for the private ownership of 3,951 wild animals including:

  • 320 wild cats including lions, tigers, leopards pumas and cheetahs
  • 274 primates including more than 150 lemurs
  • 158 crocodilians
  • 508 venomous snakes
  • 332 scorpions
  • 106 venomous lizards
  • two elephants.

Other species being kept as pets or in private collections in the UK include zebras, camels, hyena, wolves, and otters. Additionally, Born Free believes that many additional dangerous wild animals are being kept without a licence.

Although the DWA requires the applicant to demonstrate that their animals are properly contained to prevent escape, Born Free states that very little to ensure the welfare of the animals or the protection of the owner or anyone else visiting the property.

Veterinary surgeon Dr Mark Jones, who is also Born Free’s head of policy, said: “The UK likes to claim to be at the forefront of efforts to protect nature and improve the welfare of animals, yet our legislation governing the keeping of and trade in exotic pets is woefully outdated.

“The Dangerous Wild Animals Act should be overhauled as a matter of urgency, to phase out the private keeping of, and trade in, those species that clearly don’t belong in people’s homes.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.