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Are exotic pets illegal in the United Kingdom?
Partly. Exotic pets are restricted in the United Kingdom. Dangerous species need a council licence; the rest are legal.
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976: listed species (big cats, primates, venomous snakes...) only with a council licence; everything off the schedule is legal; 2,727 animals licensed (Born Free FOI). Positive-list campaign, no law.
Source: DWAA 1976
Banned (11)Restricted (48)Allowed
- The United Kingdom is one of 11 countries where exotic pets are banned, and 48 more restrict them.
- Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 1.
- In Europe: banned in 5 of 39 countries.
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Other countries that ban exotic pets
Singapore
Costa Rica
Bolivia
Cyprus
Lithuania
Luxembourg
South Korea
Norway
Australia
Belgium
NetherlandsAll 11 on the map ›What else is banned in the United Kingdom
Pit bullsPotassium bromatePufferfishFoie grasAnti-personnel landminesPepper sprayDeclawing catsAnimal testing for makeupAzodicarbonamide (the yoga mat chemical)AsbestosChlorinated chickenCorporal punishment in schoolsSex selectionIvoryWhale meatCluster munitionsEverything for United Kingdom ›
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