Dangerous wild animals are being kept in Worcestershire - The Redditch Standard

Dangerous wild animals are being kept in Worcestershire

Redditch Editorial 31st Jul, 2018   0

A SURVEY conducted by an international wildlife charity has revealed that 37 wild animals are being privately kept in Worcestershire.

The research, conducted by Born Free Foundation, asked every local council across England, Scotland and Wales which dangerous wild animals are currently licenced to be kept in private hands.

The information gathered suggested there are 37 types of snakes living in Worcestershire, including puff adders, Mexican jumping vipers and red diamond rattlesnakes.

Dr Chris Draper, Head of Animal Welfare and Captivity for Born Free, said: “The keeping of wild animals as pets is a growing concern.




“The widespread use of the internet has made it easier than ever to purchase an animal without clarification as to where it has come from or how it should be cared for.”

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


The licence application requires them to demonstrate that their animals are properly contained and not at risk of escape.

The research also noted that in Britain there is 4,798 dangerous animals which include crocodiles, lions, leopards, and bears.

Born Free Foundation is calling for the UK Government to review the law and put a stop to some of the world’s most remarkable but often deadly creatures being kept in unsuitable environments.

This includes large constrictor snakes which do not currently require a licence to be kept.

Confining wild animals in domestic settings is not only cruel says Born Free, but can also pose a significant risk to human life.

Visit www.bornfree.org.uk for more information.

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