COTES regulations govern the trade of globally rare species such as tigers, rhinos and elephants within the UK. COTES set out laws for trading (including offering for sale), importing, exporting and moving of endangered species (e.g. elephants, tigers, lions, zebra, sea turtles, etc). Violation of these regulations is a criminal offence with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of £20,000. For information on the legal requirements of trade see:

 

 

CEMA regulates the import and export of goods between the UK and abroad, including wildlife. Under CEMA anything that is being taken into or out of the UK contrary to any legislation in force may be liable to forfeiture. Violation of CEMA may carry a maximum penalty of seven years and an unlimited fine. For information on the legal requirements of trade see:

 

 

Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) 

The sale of many British species of animals and plants is controlled by the provisions of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and vendors must familiarize themselves with the law before attempting to sell a British wildlife specimen. Within this law, a wild bird is defined as a bird of any species that is found in the wild in any EU member state. For information on the legal requirements of trade see:

 

 

This Act makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal, such as causing unnecessary suffering through transportation. Those convicted of the most serious offences under the Animal Welfare Act can be sentenced to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine of £5,000, or both. For information on the legal requirements see:

 

 

 

The DWAA aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and safeguard the welfare of the animals. The Act is regulated through a licensing regime administered by the local authority. For information on the legal requirements see:

 

 

This Act protects the welfare of animals sold as pets. The Act requires any person keeping a pet shop to be licensed by the local authority. Before granting a licence the local authority must be satisfied that the animals are kept in accommodation that is both suitable and clean; that they are supplied with appropriate food and drink; and are adequately protected from disease and fire. For information on the legal requirements of trade see: www.defra.gov.uk

**NOTE: Be aware that the enactment of the Animal Welfare Bill will repeal Pet Animals Act (1951) 

 

 

This Directive lays down animal health and public health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of products, including some animals. For information on the legal requirements see:

 

 

The order provides for an animal imported into the UK without a licence to be either directed to quarantine, re-exported or destroyed and its owner prosecuted. Serious offences may be tried on indictment at a Crown Court where offenders are liable to penalties of up to a year's imprisonment an unlimited fine or both. It is thus important to ensure that all the licensing requirements are met. For information on the legal requirements see: www.defra.gov.uk

 

 

This Order makes general provision for the welfare of animals in transport in the UK, taking into account issues such as the means of transport used and the fitness of the animal to travel. Importantly it requires persons who transport animals in the course of business to ensure that animals are accompanied by a person possessing appropriate knowledge and ability to safeguard their welfare. For information on the legal requirements see:

 

 

 (EC Regulation 338/97/EC & EU Directive 95/29/EC)IATA Live Animal regulations ste standards for international transportation of live animals by commercial airlines, detailing minimum requirements for ventilation, space, packing, feeding and other conditions. For information on the legal requirements see: