Apply for this licence
You must have a licence to keep a dangerous wild animal in Northern Ireland.
How to apply
Download an application form from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) website.
You’ll need to give:
- details of the species of animal and the numbers of each species that are to be kept under the licence
- details of the premises where any such animal will be kept
- any other information required by the Department of the Environment (DOE)
You must be over 18 years old to apply for a licence and not have been disqualified from keeping any dangerous wild animal.
Your premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon before a licence will be granted.
You’ll need to demonstrate that:
- the animals will be kept in secure accommodation and given adequate and suitable food, drink and bedding materials, and will be visited at suitable intervals
- fire and emergency protection measures are in place
- disease prevention and control measures are in place
- the animals have access to adequate exercise
DOE will not issue you with a licence if:
- you’re not considered suitable
- it is against public interest on the grounds of safety, nuisance or otherwise
You must possess and own, or intend to both possess and own, the animal to be eligible for a licence - except in exceptional circumstances.