Wild pet licence loophole closed

The USPCA have said people in NI have kept panthers as pets

A loophole in Northern Ireland law which meant people could keep dangerous wild animals without having to have them licensed has been closed.

The new legislation requires owners of these animals to register with the Department of Environment.

Environment Minister David Cairns said the law had been passed amid concerns for animal welfare and public safety.

A 90-day amnesty begins at the end of December to allow owners to apply for a licence or to handover their animals.

Mr Cairns said the new legislation brought Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.

"Until now the keeping of dangerous wild animals has been unregulated in Northern Ireland," he said.

"Concerns over both public safety and the welfare of exotic animals kept in captivity, as well as alleged sightings of big cats in the wild, have accentuated the need for this legislation."

The licence, which costs £80, can cover more than one animal.

However, owners are also required to pay an additional fee to cover an inspection by a DoE approved vet.

In the past, the USPCA has said it has found people keeping panthers, bears and even crocodiles in their homes.

There have also been several big-cat sightings across Northern Ireland in recent years.