Exotic Pets

It is currently legal to keep almost any animal as a pet in the UK unless there is legislation in place which specifically bans the keeping of that breed or species. It’s thought there are tens of thousands of exotic pets kept by private individuals in the UK. The range of species kept as pets has greatly increased over the past few decades. In theory, anyone can keep any animal species, although certain restrictions may be imposed by government legislation. For example, the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 requires the licensing of any animal listed on its Schedule of dangerous species, such as big cats, bears, venomous snakes, etc.  

The Act is mainly concerned with public health and safety, and animal welfare is very much a secondary consideration. In addition, it only covers the species that are assessed to be dangerous to humans and does not include many commonly kept species such as meerkats, meaning that the ownership of such animals is currently largely unregulated.  

Wild animals have vastly differing physical, psychological, nutritional, social, and environmental requirements which cannot be met in a domestic environment. The trade-in and keeping of wild animals as ‘pets’ can cause serious animal suffering, while putting the health and safety of people and other animals at risk.

We at Animal Welfare Forum are calling on the UK government to undertake a comprehensive review of exotic pet ownership, including the current dangerous wild animal legislation. Any amendments should ensure far greater restrictions on the trade and keeping of wild animals as pets in the UK, based on thorough and precautionary criteria around whether animals are suitable as pets.

The RSPCA and Born Free Foundation called for an urgent review of the current legislation on Exotic Pets and published a report.  Download the report here:

Join us in campaigning for change by writing to your MP. Politely but firmly ask them to support Born Free’s call for a comprehensive review of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act and its Schedule, and point out that decisions on whether or not wild animals can be kept as pets should be based on:

• Whether individual animal welfare needs can be fully met, and owners have the necessary qualifications and experience to meet those needs.

• Whether the trade is likely to compromise the conservation of species in the wild.

• Potential environmental concerns, such as the escape of potentially invasive species.

• Full consideration of the risks to public and animal health & safety, including zoonoses.