A CHINESE alligator is among seven dangerous wild animals being kept privately in South Gloucestershire, according to a wildlife charity.

A survey conducted by Born Free, which campaigns against animal exploitation, revealed a staggering 3,951 dangerous wild animals are licensed to be kept privately in the UK. 

According to figures revealed by the charity from a freedom of information request, there are seven animals covered by dangerous wild animal licences in South Gloucestershire.

The animals include 

  • An ostrich
  • A Chinese alligator
  • A horned viper
  • A Western diamondback rattlesnake
  • A banded rock rattlesnake
  • Two eyelash vipers

Chris Lewis, Born Free's captivity research officer said: "The Dangerous Wild Animals Act was intended to make the keeping of such animals categorised as 'dangerous' a wholly exceptional circumstance.

"However, Born Free’s ongoing research paints a very different picture."

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said anyone wishing to keep an animal under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act must be vetted and apply for a licence which sets out conditions on caring for the animal.

They added: "We keep this legislation under regular review to ensure it remains effective in keeping the public safe."