Poll: Should pet owners need licences for exotic animals?

Dog owners do need a licence for their pet – but you can buy a snake or alligator without a licence.

DOG OWNERS MUST have a licence for their pet – but if you want to own an exotic animal, you don’t need one in Ireland.

It is possible to buy a spectacled caiman from a pet store without a licence, as the Irish Mail on Sunday shows in today’s issue. It says these reptiles can grow up to 7ft.

While a licence is required to keep animals that are considered “wild, dangerous or exotic” in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, this is not the case here.

There are currently no plans to regulate ownership of such animals in Ireland.

We ask: Should pet owners need licenses for exotic animals?

Poll Results:

No (2036)

Yes (1887)

I don't know (131)

Yes
No
I don't know

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More