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Written by MyPetFriends
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Wednesday, 04 February 2009 |
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 Wild animals, from monkeys to scorpions, are being kept as pets in homes and gardens across Britain, a survey has found.
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Among the creatures registered with local councils under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. were 704 wild boar, 268 ostriches, 267 snakes and 67 monkeys. The list also includes 57 lemurs, 36 camels, 36 scorpions, 30 crocodilians, including caimans, 23 big cats, five alligators and one zebra.
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Owners need a licence to keep them under the Act and have to meet strict conditions to ensure the welfare of the animals and safety of neighbours.
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Animal welfare officers believe the numbers known may be just the tip of the iceberg, with thousands more kept illegally.
Details of the animals licensed in the last year came from 87 local authorities under the Freedom of Information Act. They exclude zoos, pet shops, circuses and wildlife parks.
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