Dogs are, famously, man’s greatest buddy.
But hundreds of individuals within the UK have as a substitute chosen venomous snakes, wild cats and crocodiles for pets.
New figures obtained by the wildlife charity Born Free Foundation present licences have been issued by 126 native authorities to personal house owners throughout the UK for two,727 animals categorised as harmful beneath the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
The permits lined greater than 200 wild cats and 250 primates, in addition to about 400 venomous snakes, which Born Free estimates is 10 instances the quantity saved in zoos.
The charity has stated an overhaul of present laws on the holding of harmful animals is a “matter of urgency”.
Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s head of coverage, stated: “It is unbelievable that, in this day and age, so many dangerous animals, including big cats, large primates, crocodiles and venomous snakes, continue to be legally kept in people’s homes in the UK.
“Increasing demand for and commerce in every kind of untamed animals as unique pets places house owners and the broader public susceptible to damage or illness.
“It also results in serious animal suffering, and the demand increases the pressure on many wild populations which are often already under threat,” he added.
Southeast England had the best variety of harmful wild animals, in addition to having probably the most primates.
The east of England had the best variety of wild cats, together with a number of leopards, cheetahs, and lynxes.
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A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson stated anybody wishing to maintain an animal beneath the Dangerous Wild Animals Act should be vetted and apply for a licence which units out circumstances on caring for the animal.
They added: “We keep this legislation under regular review to ensure it remains effective in keeping the public safe.”
They stated the federal government elevated the utmost jail sentence for animal cruelty to 5 years in 2021 and is at the moment bringing ahead laws to ban primates being saved as home pets.
The laws will create a brand new licensing scheme setting stricter guidelines for personal house owners.
Source: information.sky.com”