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Shocking new analysis has revealed the unique animals being saved as pets in Lancashire.
According to charity Born Free, who contacted all native authorities within the UK, there are 106 ‘harmful’ wild animals registered as residing in Lancashire. They embody a serval cat in Chorley, 100 wild boar and three ostriches within the Ribble Valley, and two ostiches in West Lancashire. No particular places have been given.
Nationally, the analysis, which was carried out in 2023, reveals greater than 2,700 harmful wild animals being saved privately in Great Britain underneath licences permitted by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. This quantity consists of greater than 200 wild cats, 250 primates and 400 venomous snakes at a complete of 187 personal addresses.
Now Born Free is asking for pressing motion to tighten laws to minimise threat to the general public and safeguard the welfare of untamed animals. Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s Head of Policy, mentioned: “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. 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. It also results in serious animal suffering, and the demand increases the pressure on many wild populations which are often already under threat.”
The charity additionally claims that their analysis additionally found that some councils are unaware of the precise species of animal being saved, regardless of a requirement to determine this throughout the laws, which they are saying raises additional severe animal welfare, and well being and security, considerations.
The serval is a wild cat native to Africa. It is a slender, medium-sized cat that stands 54–62 cm on the shoulder and weighs 9–18 kg. It is characterised by a small head, massive ears, a golden-yellow to buff coat noticed and striped with black, and a brief, black-tipped tail. They reside as much as 20 years.
According to The Spruce Pets, servals usually aren’t pleasant. They say: “They’re aloof and do not like being stroked or cuddled. Because of that, their massive measurement (as much as 40 kilos), and naturally wild temperament, this cat is just not advisable for properties with children or different pets. However, a serval can bond properly with one person and grow to be emotionally connected to an extent that re-homing the animal would trigger it deep misery.”
