Anyone who wishes to keep and house a dangerous wild animal will need a licence from their local authority under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (1976 Act). The number of animals along with the type that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

You do not need a licence if the animal is kept in:

• a licensed zoo
• a circus
• a licensed animal business
• a scientific research establishment

Falkirk Council may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

A licence will be issued for one year starting from the date the licence is granted by the authority.

You must be 18 or over to apply.

You must not be disqualified from keeping animals, running an animal-related business, transporting animals, or working with animals under relevant animal welfare law.

Licences are issued under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluated.

1. Conditions that, while any animal concerned is being kept only under the authority of the licence.
   1. The animal shall be kept by no person other than such person or persons as is or are specified (whether by name or description) in the licence.
   2. The animal shall normally be held at such premises as are specified in the licence.
   3. The animal shall not be moved from those premises or shall only be moved from them in such circumstances as are specified in the licence.
   4. The person to whom the licence is granted shall hold a current insurance policy which insures him and any other person entitled to keep the animal under the authority of the licence against liability for any damage which may be caused by the animal.
   5. The terms of any such policy shall be satisfactory in the opinion of the authority.
2. Conditions restricting the species (whether one or more) of animal, and number of animals of each species, which may be kept under the authority of the licence.
3. A condition that the person to whom the licence is granted shall at all reasonable times make available a copy of the licence to any person entitled to keep any animal under the authority of the licence.
4. Such other conditions as are necessary.

To apply, change or renew a licence you can complete the form below and return it to us by email:

A licence issued by a local authority Lasts for a maximum of 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.

There is no automatic approval. We must process your application before a licence can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us. 

You may be able to appeal against licence conditions.

Contact us first for advice. If you still want to appeal, you can contact the Sheriff Court about the process.