DWA Frequently Asked Questions

[Athravan]

Here is some information or links to threads/websites answering questions that seem to crop up in this section and the snake/lizards question fairly regular.

Q: What does DWA stand for?
A: Dangerous Wild Animals License

Q: Why would I need a DWA?
A: You need one before you can keep any of the animals listed on this list: http://archive.defra.gov.uk/wildlife...animallist.pdf if you live in the UK.

Q: Are Mangrove Snakes DWA?
A: No, not anymore. They were, so some websites may still incorrectly refer to them as being DWA, but they were removed from the act. This does not mean they should be bought by inexperienced keepers as they can still pack a powerful bite!

Q: Why are animals like Zebras and Emus which rarely kill people on the DWA but some deadly animals like Octopus' and Jellyfish not?
A: The DWA is there to protect the public, not the keeper. You are entitled to endanger your own life, but not the lives of others. There are some deadly marine animals that can be kept with no license, because these cannot survive outside their environment, and should they escape, would not pose a danger to the general public. Animals like Zebra and Emu are included because a kick from one can serious injure or kill. DWA needs to consider the potential maximum danger to the public should the animal escape.

Q: How do I get a license?
A: Please read this thread written by SiUK http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/dwa-s...a-license.html

Q: How much does this cost?
A: Read the above thread, but the price will vary from council to council. Only your local council can tell you the exact costs, so ask them!

Q: Where can I get information on insurance?
A: Public Liability Insurance is most often provided by Exotics Direct (www.exoticsdirect.co.uk) but other insurance companies can provide quotations also. You will need to phone the company and let them know what you need for a quote.

Q: What about Hybrid animals where they are descended from a DWA animal?
A: This page goes into detail on wild cat and wolf based hybrids - Defra, UK - : Wildlife Protection - Dangerous Wild Animals Act - Hybrids of domestic animals for any other animal, you should contact DEFRA if you believe it to be less than 3 generations away from a DWA animal.

Q: Can I get a DWA in a rented or Council accomodation?
A: Maybe! Please phone your local council to check. You will definitely need permission from your landlord and the council may ask to see this in writing. You should think long and hard about getting a DWA in temporary housing - your next landlord may say no! Some councils may refuse rented or council accomodation.

Q: I was told I could get a Pet Shop License instead, how does this work?
A: You can keep DWA animals under a pet shop license (or a zoo license), but this requires many other business related conditions as set by the law, including making your licensed address public, being fire inspected and following all health & safety laws. Having a PSL may require rezoning of your housing which can affect Water and Electricity rates & Council Tax. Owning a PSL declares you a business and whilst it may be cheaper to obtain a PSL than a DWA license this "shortcut" can in fact end up being quite a lot more complicated. But if in doubt, your local council can supply you with all the information you need about applying for a PSL under a home address. Even with a PSL, you will still have to follow strict conditions regarding the safety of enclosures and the number/species you have will still be limited by the council.

Q: Can I sell a DWA animal legally?
A: If you own a DWA animal you can sell it, providing you have asked to see a copy of the buyers license to ensure that they are legally able to own this animal. Selling to non DWA holders could have very serious repurcussions.

Q: Do I need a DWA license to transport a DWA animal?
A: Transporting an animal from A to B does not require the driver of the vehicle to hold a DWA license as long as the holding time is less than 72 hours. If someone is transporting this animal commercially they do need to be aware of the DEFRA Livestock Transportation laws and hold the relevant transportation certificate (not DWA specific). More information on transporting livestock legally can be found here : Defra, UK - Animal health and welfare - Animal welfare - During transport - Publications and guidance

Q: Can I legally breed DWA animals?
A: Yes, you can as long as your license does not stipulate otherwise. But you should inform the council of any changes to the number of DWA animals you keep, therefore when your babies are born, you should inform them that your numbers have increased. If you intend breeding this is something worth asking the council about when you apply for your license.

Q: If I have a DWA and move country, what happens?
A: You cannot transfer a DWA between counties, you would need to reapply in your new county. If you are moving you will want to ensure that you have your new license in place before you move the animal.

Q: I don't want to keep DWA anymore. Can I give my license to my friend?
A: No! The license is only legal for the person named on it. This license is not transferrable to another person.

Q: How much is the anti-venom, where do I get it?
A: You don't keep the anti-venom yourself. It is kept at a specialist hospita such as Liverpool. You would be airlifted in an emergency to these hospitals and treated there. It is not illegal to keep anti-venom but the vials have a very short lifespan and are extremely expensive (thousands).

Q: What if I buy my animals in Europe at Hamm or another show?
A: Whilst you do not need a DWA license to buy animals in Europe, or to transport them, you will still need to have a DWA license to keep the animal in the UK. Never buy a DWA animal at a show without already having the correct license.

Q: How do I buy/sell DWA animals on here?
A: The DWA classifieds can be found in this section (sub forum at the top of the page). You can only access it if you are verified as an 18+ member. Please ensure you have the correct license before buying/selling DWA on here. For more information on 18+ read this thread: http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forum...plication.html

Q: How many DWA keepers are killed by their pets?
A: No DWA keeper has ever died from injury caused by their DWA animals in the UK!

These are just some general questions that have been asked more than once either on here, or in Snakes/Lizards and might save some searching or posting time for newcomers to the section.

[paulrimmer69]

exellent sticky that should cut the threads on here by half lol

[squirl]

Hey cheers for the info, sorry to be a pain but the link is broken this is the working one Exotic Direct - Insurance for Birds, Mammals and Reptiles
Cheers,
Squirl

[Nix]

Another Q that seems to crop up a bit...

Q - How old do you need to before you are allowed to apply for a DWAL?

A - At least 18 years of age.

And no your parents/auntie/friend/bob down the pub can't get one for you!

[jp01332]

very good info mate i am from the Uk and this is very helpful thanks mate

[RutherfordReptiles]

I really want some venomous snakes when im 18 what would be the best type of housing for them as I wouldnt feel safe keeping them in a wooden vivarium even if it had a lock or anything.

[Owzy]

A lot of DWA keepers use wooden viv's. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using them.

[RutherfordReptiles]

oh awsome, Ill probably use them then, what would be the best DWA snake to start with? also ive read the list of what DWA keepers can own and I seen emu's... how and where would I buy an emu or something lie a lion? thanks.

[Owzy]

Originally Posted by RutherfordReptiles

oh awsome, Ill probably use them then, what would be the best DWA snake to start with? also ive read the list of what DWA keepers can own and I seen emu's... how and where would I buy an emu or something lie a lion? thanks.

Are you serious?

[RutherfordReptiles]

I don't want a lion obviously but wondering how on this earth would you even purchase one, and whats wrong with an emu, I know of their kicks etc but if you trained for years wtc what would be wrong with one if you know what you were doing?