In the Midlands, a startling number of wild animals—legally owned and kept as private “pets”—are living behind closed doors. Among these are lions, tigers, venomous snakes, and even three wolves, all housed under strict licenses. While the idea of such creatures as pets might seem unsettling, this is permitted under current UK laws.
According to data compiled by welfare organization Born Free, over 2,000 wild animals are legally owned privately across Britain. This includes nearly ten times the number of venomous snakes in private homes compared to UK zoos. Born Free highlights the significant risks these animals pose to public safety and animal welfare.
The charity is calling for a thorough review of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which governs the private keeping of animals that could be hazardous to the public. Born Free also recommends an investigation into the broader legal framework regulating the trade and private ownership of wild animals.
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Chris Lewis, Captivity Research and Policy Manager at Born Free, emphasizes the urgency: “The Act was intended to restrict the keeping of dangerous wild animals to exceptional cases. Yet, decades later, many venomous snakes are kept privately, servals are crossbred with domestic cats to create hybrid pets, and primates remain confined despite evidence they are unsuited to captivity. These animals are still wild and dangerous, yet the laws permit their private ownership. The government must urgently update these regulations.”
Broadcaster and Born Free patron Kirsty Gallacher echoes these concerns: “It is shocking that in 2026, dangerous animals like big cats, crocodiles, venomous snakes, and primates are still legally kept in private homes in Britain. Not only do these wild creatures suffer greatly in captivity, but their presence also threatens public safety. This outdated practice must end.”
The data reveals specific examples of licensed wild animals within the West Midlands:
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Cannock: One tiger and one lion.
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Dudley: A green bush viper, a cape coral cobra, a saw-scaled viper, and a sunda white-lipped pit viper.
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Shropshire: 100 boars, three wolves, three zebras, and a camel.
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South Staffordshire: An application for two Gila Monsters, a venomous lizard, is under consideration.
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Staffordshire Moorlands: Two Bactrian camels, native to Central Asia.
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Stoke-on-Trent: Two cobras, one rattlesnake, one copperhead, and a dwarf caiman.
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Stratford-upon-Avon: 26 camels.
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Worcester: Two Río Fuerte beaded lizards.
This glimpse into the region’s privately kept wild animals highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding animal welfare and public safety under existing legislation.