Predator Pets

Lions, wolves and deadly snakes among predators kept on private properties across UK.

15:55 24 May 2016

An investigation by the Press Association has found that thousands of dangerous animals are being kept on private properties across the UK. Among them are 13 tigers, two lions, eight leopards, seven cheetahs and nine pumas as well as hundreds of poisonous snakes including 300 killer cobras, vipers and rattlesnakes.

 

Lurking beneath the waters of domestic enclosures are 10 alligators, nine crocodiles and 17 caimans – a smaller member of the crocodile family.

 

Animal welfare experts have condemned the findings. A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "We are deeply concerned about the number of exotic animals, including dangerous wild animals, now being kept as pets. People may buy them with little idea of how difficult they can be to keep and the animals are sometimes neglected when the novelty wears off and the commitment hits home. This is why we would encourage anyone thinking of getting an exotic pet to find out as much as possible about the animal's needs and whether they're a realistic pet."

 

She added: "Licences for exotic animals classed as Dangerous Wild Animals - such as cobras, ostriches and caiman crocodiles - are granted by local authorities and the details are also held locally. There is no centrally-held list to determine how many are kept across the country. The emphasis of this legislation is on making sure the owner takes reasonable steps to prevent the animal from being a threat to the public, rather than the welfare of the animals concerned.

 

"Exotic animals have specialist needs and this includes the ones listed on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act list."