What Animals Can Legally Be Kept As Pets?

[Nenya]

Besides the obvious ones like dogs, cats, fish etc.

I want to know what sort of unusual animals you're allowed to keep as pets (UK laws preferably)

[Power Cosmic]

Anything that isn't dangerous really, and even a few things that argubly are dangerous..
Do you have anything in particular in mind?

[Nenya]

I really would like to keep an owl, like get one as a baby and raise it then eventually let it go into the wild and come back when it wants to.

[SnowKitten]

Well, I know that it depends on your area, because in Mecklenburg County it's illegal to keep Patagonian Guinea Pigs but in Iredell County its legal.
Try looking it up on google, thats your best bet.
But keeping raptors (birds with talons longer than 1 centimeter I think) is illegal in most heavily trafficked (sp?) areas. Unless you live in a rural area, I'd say its most likely illegal.

(This is a Patagonian Guinea Pig...they are 3 ft. long and 2 ft. tall generally when fully grown...I was going to get one, but then I moved from Iredell County to Meck County)

[Nenya]

I've looked all over google but can't find any information about keeping owls as pets in the UK. I only found out that it was illegal to keep native owls as pets in America.

[Melody Pond]

I don't know if this will help, I can't make much sense of it.

The Barn Owl Centre - Should Owls be Pets? - The Barn Owl Centre is a UK registered Barn Owl charity

LAWS RELATING TO CAPTIVE BRED BARN OWLS

Article 10 Certificate
A keeper offering for sale, reward or commercially displaying a captive bred Barn Owl must have in his or her possession an Article 10 Certificate issued by DEFRA. The bird must also wear either a closed leg ring or be fitted with a microchip implant.

Releasing Captive Bred Barn Owls
The releasing of captive bred Barn Owls into the wild is an illegal offence.
All captive release licenses have now been terminated.
Information regarding this can be obtained from (DEFRA) The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (See below for contact details)

and this
http://www.raptorfoundation.org.uk/barnowl.html

Unfortunately, Barn Owls are very easily & cheaply available as pets, there are no restrictions on their sale (as long as they are legally captive bred & ringed) & they are often purchased by people with no idea at all about the birds needs. The are stories about the birds being kept in shoe-boxes under peoples beds, because they think they like the dark. Some very irresponsible owners will release the birds into the wild, with the expectation that they will be able to look after themselves. They do not realise that captive bred birds do not have the ability, that this is taught them by their parents in the wild, & they are dependent on people for food. The owls can also be very noisy at night, causing a disturbance to neighbours

As far as I can tell, it isn't illegal but it is highly advised against.

[Nenya]

Originally Posted by Razzmatazz Rach

I don't know if this will help, I can't make much sense of it.

The Barn Owl Centre - Should Owls be Pets? - The Barn Owl Centre is a UK registered Barn Owl charity



and this
The Raptor Foundation - Barn Owl


As far as I can tell, it isn't illegal but it is highly advised against.

Aww so if I got one I'd never be allowed to let it go into the wild. I'm kind of confused now as I was reading on how to care for owls and one website recommended letting the owl go out into the wild eventually.


Also does the first extract mean I'd have to get a certificate in order to own one or does it mean that if I bought one from a seller they'd give me the certificate with it?

[Emzy]

I don't know, I know someone with an owl, well my mums mate had like 4 of them. I know in America you can keep Lions and Monkeys!

[SnowKitten]

Originally Posted by emzy

I don't know, I know someone with an owl, well my mums mate had like 4 of them. I know in America you can keep Lions and Monkeys!

Yeah, I've found America is really lax on animal restrictions
XP

[Grizabella]

Exotic pet laws vary by city and town. An animal might be legal in one area of the UK, and illegal in another. Sometimes local by-laws can supercede provincial/state/federal laws. You really should avoid research that's solely online and talk to whatever agencies have jurisdiction in your area, so that you know whatever information you get about the pet is accurate. If you're not sure who to call, try asking a local humane society or animal shelter who you should speak with.

[Melody Pond]

Originally Posted by Boo Ghost

Aww so if I got one I'd never be allowed to let it go into the wild. I'm kind of confused now as I was reading on how to care for owls and one website recommended letting the owl go out into the wild eventually.


Also does the first extract mean I'd have to get a certificate in order to own one or does it mean that if I bought one from a seller they'd give me the certificate with it?

I think your best bet would be to talk to the RSPCA or something similar...

[Boobies]

Well I know you're allowed to home, bathe, feed and walk men?

[SnowKitten]

Originally Posted by PolkaDotTissue

Well I know you're allowed to home, bathe, feed and walk men?

(10 chars.)