PETS: Dangerous dogs and hybrid animals
- Dangerous dogs in Great Britain
- Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
- Hybrid cats and the Pet Travel Scheme
- Hybrid animals and CITES
- Dogs in other countries
Dangerous dogs in Great Britain
In Great Britain, it is illegal to possess certain types of dogs. If you bring one of these dogs into Great Britain, you could be prosecuted and the dog seized and destroyed. If in doubt, don't travel with it. Further information can be found on the animal welfare pages of the Defra website.
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
This Act regulates the keeping of certain kinds of dangerous animals
as pets. In the UK many species of Canidae (dog family) and most species
of Felidae (cat family) are currently listed under the Dangerous
Wild Animals Act 1976 
(16 KB) and therefore require a licence if they are to be kept in Great
Britain.
Domestic dogs and cats are not covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act but certain hybrid dogs and cats (bred through crossing domestic animals with wild species) may be subject to its provisions. It is the responsibility of the owner or keeper of the animal to notify the appropriate local authority if they intend to import an animal which may technically be subject to the Act. Local authorities are responsible for licensing and enforcement under the Act. For further information on the Dangerous Wild Animal Act, contact Defra’s Wildlife Species Conservation Division on 0117 372 8209.
If the animal you propose to bring into Great Britain is listed on the
schedule to the Dangerous
Wild Animals Act 1976
(16 KB) you will need to have a valid licence from your local authority
before the animal can be brought into this country.
If you think that your animal(s) may be affected by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, you should contact your local authority for advice.
Hybrid cats and the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
Any hybrid pet cat (including Bengals) accompanied by either a completed and valid EU pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate may be permitted to enter the UK under PETS. These animals do not need to be accompanied by a pedigree certificate for the purpose of entry under PETS.
Hybrid animals and CITES
Certain hybrid animals may be subject to the provisions of the Convention
on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and will
require a CITES permit to enter the UK from third countries. A hybrid
animal regulated under CITES is one that in its previous four generations
has a parent the species of which is listed in Appendix I or II of CITES.
For more information on CITES, please contact Defra’s Wildlife Species
Conservation on Tel: 0117 372 8749, Fax: 0117
372 8206 or email cites.ukma@defra.gsi.gov.uk
It is the responsibility of the owner or person accompanying the animal
to the UK to ensure that CITES requirements are met where appropriate.
The enforcement of CITES and the checking of these permits is carried
out by HM Revenue & Customs.
Dogs in other countries
Some countries may not allow certain types of dogs to enter and may have requirements relating to others (e.g. muzzling, maximum size). These rules are the responsibility of the governments of those countries.
You are advised to contact the appropriate authorities of the country(ies) you wish to visit to check whether your dog would be admitted and whether there are any special requirements you would need to meet. Speak to the Embassy of the appropriate country in London; you might also be able to obtain information from the British Embassy in that country.
Page last modified: November 13, 2006