what is the law on keeping exotic animals (in the uk and the us) in captivity?

Answer 1

In the UK there are basically two laws regarding the keeping of particular animals (although there are more laws governing the actual keeping: welfare etc). They are the European Protected Species Act (I'll call it EPS to make it easier)and the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWA).
The ESP Act bans the keeping of any animal listed on the act unless you can prove it was born in this country in captivity because they are endangered so taking them out of the wild causes harm. Not many commonly kept exotic species are included on the act so there is little to worry about here.
The DWA Act bans the keeping of any animal listed on the act without either a zoo license, a pet shop license or a DWA license (circuses are exempt). DWA Licenses are quite hard to obtain. A vet must inspect your premesis and some local councils refuse to issue them at all. DWA species are generally large carnivores and venomous snakes etc. Ostriches and monkeys are also included. However, like the EPS Act, very few of the animals are kept widely as pets anyway.
Other than this, the UK thens to be quite liberal about exotic animal species. The only additional regulations to the ones i just mentioned is that you cannot keep too many animals in council accommodation and you must keep all animals in proper conditions and don't abuse them (Animal Welfare Act).
Don't know about the USA much but i do know that it varies by state.

EDIT: I must disagree with the answer posted after mine. The following species can be called "exotic pets":
Corn Snake
Bearded Dragon
Royal Python
Preying Mantis
Tarantula
Stick Insect
Geckos
Salamanders
Domestic (African Pygmy) Hedgehog
Yemen (Veiled) Chameleon...
And are all less work than a dog or cat and for the most part, easier that a dog or cat. In fact, most exotic animals are probably easier than dog or cat. A corn snake or bearded dragon (exotic) is so much better for children or people who have never had pets before than any of the following "normal" pets:
Dog
Cat
Rabbit
Rodents
Parrot
(and more)
Madkins007, did you mean things like large pythons and alligators and the like when you answered. If so, i agree with you 100% if not, i agree with you more like 0.

Answer 2

As long as you do your best to provide adequate care, I vote yes it is OK to keep exotics within reason - especially snakes, as the more common ones are not very demanding. Captivity for snakes is the posh life! No predators, free food on a regular basis, adequate clean water & a concerned keeper who does their best to keep you healthy & happy... maybe even find you a mate!!! ....that is IF you have a good keeper. Keep up the good job on educating the public - far too many people are needlessly afraid of snakes. Hey - that's a good reason for snakes in captivity right there - education.

Answer 3

The US has a mish-mash of laws- federal laws cover endangered animals, small turtles, and a few other things. Each state has its own laws- fish and game, parks, etc., and each city has its own- usually the most restrictive of the group.

To be safe- don't do it. Most exotic pets are not good pets in the long run and it generally takes a little touch of insanity to put as much work and money into it as they usually take.

Answer 4

Are you going to open a reserve or is it a pet? The the laws are different. You will also need special licence's for exotic pets. U.S.A.

Answer 5

varies by state to state in the US, don't know about UK.

In the US its regulated under the Department of Fish and Game

Answer 6

Try this website, it has a great list of the state laws.
http://www.api4animals.org/b4a2_exotic_animals.php