For centuries, cats and dogs have mostly been the top choice for humans seeking to keep pets. However, in recent times, the number of humans opting to keep venomous snakes, wild cats, and crocodiles as pets has skyrocketed in the United Kingdom. According to a report by Sky News, if the latest figures obtained by the wildlife charity Born Free Foundation are anything to go by, it is indeed surprising to see that 126 local authorities issued licences to private owners for 2,727 animals that fall in the category of ‘dangerous’ according to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, 1976.
More than 200 wild cats, 250 primates, and approximately 400 venomous snakes currently reside in households in the UK. This is seen as a “matter of urgency”.
Born Free’s head of policy, Dr Mark Jones, said, “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.”
He added, “Increasing demand for and trade in all kinds of wild animals as exotic pets puts owners and the wider public at risk of injury or disease.”
