Invasive non-native (alien) species: licence to move and keep them in captivity (IAS A01)
Apply for a licence to move and keep certain non-native (alien) species for animal welfare purposes.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This licence applies to these invasive non-native (alien) animal species.
What this licence allows
You must have a licence if you want to:
- rescue and move these animals to a secure licensed facility (premises) to look after them
- keep them until the end of their natural life
Rules for grey squirrels
You cannot use this licence to keep grey squirrels on premises in areas where:
- red squirrels are present
- there are no grey squirrels present
You must follow the rules on how to house grey squirrels.
Rules for muntjac deer
You must follow the rules on how to house muntjac deer.
Premises where you can keep non-native (alien) species with a licence
You can apply for a licence for premises such as:
- rescue centres
- animal parks
- wildlife sanctuaries
- animal hospitals
These premises must:
- pass a veterinary inspection before Natural England will issue a licence
- be secure so an animal cannot escape
You must:
- care for animals and meet their welfare needs
- not allow animals to mate when in captivity or when travelling to it
- mark all animals individually using methods that do not cause avoidable pain, distress or suffering – for example microchipping
Zoos and aquariums
You cannot apply for this licence if:
- you’re a zoo or aquarium operator
- you operate under a zoo licence
You must get a permit from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to keep animals for public exhibition or education purposes.
Veterinary inspections
A vet must inspect your premises before you apply for this licence. You need to send the veterinary inspection form with your application.
Activities this licence does not allow
You cannot use this licence to:
- keep a non-native (alien) species as a pet (companion animal)
- keep a non-native (alien) species and later sell it
- breed from a non-native (alien) species
- release a non-native (alien) species into the wild
To keep or release non-native (alien) species not covered by this licence, see other non-native (alien) species licences.
For conservation, research science or medical use, you must get a permit from APHA.
How to apply
You must complete the:
- licence application form IAS A01
- veterinary inspection form
Save the forms to your desktop before filling them in. Remember to save your forms again when you’ve filled them in.
Email or send both forms to Natural England at the following addresses:
Email: invasive-alien-species-licence@naturalengland.org.uk
Wildlife licensing
Natural England
Horizon House
Deanery Road
Bristol
BS1 5AH
Telephone: 020 8026 1089
Natural England will decide whether to issue a licence within 30 working days of receiving your application.
You must report your actions - Natural England will send you a report form when it issues your licence.
Last updated 7 May 2020 + show all updates
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We've amended the guidance on dealing with rats in the rules on housing grey squirrels and muntjac deer.
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We've added rules on how to house grey squirrels and muntjac deer.
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We've amended the type of premises that can apply for a licence. If you’re a zoo or aquarium operator or operate under a zoo licence, you cannot apply for this licence.
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We've added a new section on vet inspections. This includes the information zoo operators need to include with their application.
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First published.