§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many licences to keep dangerous animals have been issued in each of the last five years in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement; [10785]
(2) in what circumstances licences to keep dangerous animals are issued; and if he will make a statement. [10786]
§ Angela EagleA licence is required to keep any animal of a species listed in the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. The issuing of licences and the day-to-day administration of the Act are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The Department does not keep information on the number of licences issued under the Act.
Before issuing a licence, a local authority must be satisfied that a number of conditions are met, including the conditions that a licence would not be contrary to the public interest on the grounds of safety or nuisance; that 48W the applicant for the licence is a suitable person to hold a licence; and that the proposed accommodation ensures that the animal will not escape and is suitable as regards construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, drainage and cleanliness, and is suitable for the number of animals proposed to be held in it. A local authority may also specify such other conditions as it considers appropriate.