What is a non-native Species Licence?

A non-native species licence in the UK is a permit that allows the holder to manage, control, or eradicate invasive non-native animal species.

Non-Native Species Law (UK)

Section 14(1) of the WCA (external link) makes it an offence to release or allow to escape into the wild any animal which is not ordinarily resident in Great Britain and is not a regular visitor to Great Britain in a wild state, or is listed in Schedule 9 to the Act (note that this also includes some native animals).

What you must do for the Licence

You must have a non-native licence to rescue and move the animals to a secure facility to look after them. You must care for animals and meet their welfare needs. Do no allow animals to mate when in captivity or when travelling to it. Individually mark all animals using methods that do not cause avoidable pain, distress or suffering.

What not to do for the Licence

You cannot use this licence to keep non-native species as a pet (companion animal). To keep and sell it later. Do not breed from a non-native species or release it into the wild.

What the Licence allows

You must have a licence if you want to rescue and move the animals to a secure licenced facility to look after them. The non-native licence allows the holder to keep breed, transport, use, or exchange the species. To allow the species to grow, cultivate, or reproduce. Educate the public about the species. To move or keep invasive animals in captivity until the end of their natural life. this also allows the holder to use an invasive species temporarily for commercial purposes as part of a management measure.