Animal Welfare Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:

“The changes, will help cut red tape for local authorities and animal keepers, increase support for and compliance with the legislation, and maintain public safety and animal welfare.

“The changes will maintain the restrictions on owning these animals, and will also allow local authorities – who administer and enforce the Dangerous Wild Animals Act – to better target inspections of premises where wild animals are kept.”

Changes to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act include:

• No mandatory requirement for inspection for  certain replacement licences, to allow targeting of inspections where there may be concerns.  Local authorities will still be able to make inspections whenever required.
• Validity of a licence extended from a maximum of one year to two years.
• Licences will come into force immediately upon being granted.

Defra will also publish new guidance for local authorities and wildlife keepers.

Defra has decided not to take forward a previous proposal to remove the animal welfare  provisions from the Act.