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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Emily Beament

More than 2,000 dangerous wild animals kept as pets in Britain, study finds

Britain Born Free
  • Over 2,200 dangerous wild animals, including venomous snakes, big cats and crocodiles , are legally kept as “pets” across Britain under the 50-year-old Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWAA), according to research by Born Free.
  • Actress Dame Joanna Lumley , Born Free’s founder patron, has called for an urgent change in the law, stating that wild animals should never be kept as pets due to welfare concerns and potential public safety risks.
  • Data obtained from local authorities reveals a rise in privately owned dangerous animals since 2023, with over 500 venomous snakes and nearly 300 primates currently licensed, alongside numerous wild cats and crocodilians.
  • Born Free highlights that DWAA licences do not guarantee appropriate living conditions for these animals, citing examples from sanctuaries where captive wild animals suffer from unsuitable environments.
  • The charity is urging the government to review and reform the outdated legislation in England and Wales to prevent harm, close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and uphold animal welfare standards.

IN FULL

Alligators and crocodiles among thousands of dangerous wild animals being kept as pets in Britain, research shows

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