PREDATORS, crocodiles and even wild boars are being kept by households and businesses throughout Hampshire.

Lions, wolves and deadly venomous snakes are among thousands of dangerous animals being kept on private properties across the UK, figures have revealed.

Data obtained from a freedom of information (FOI) request from the Press Association revealed that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has granted licences for 300 wild boar to be kept in the borough.

More than 100 councils across the UK have given people licences to keep a host of deadly predators, including authorities in Hampshire.

In Winchester, the City Council has approved licences for one ocelot as well as two dwarf crocodiles and three gila monsters, a type of venomous lizard.

Isle of Wight Council handed out a licence for one black and white ruffed lemur.

Zoos such as Marwell Wildlife have separate licensing regimes.

The FOI request was sent to every council in the UK, of which 363 replied. In Northern Ireland, the Environment Agency provided the figures for the whole country.

Dangerous wild animals (DWA) licences are granted by councils to allow people to keep undomesticated animals as pets, providing they have the requisite safety measures at their home and pay a small fee.

The RSPCA said it was concerned that licences too often focus on protecting the public from harm, rather than on the well-being of the animals.

A spokesman said: "We are deeply concerned about the number of exotic animals, including dangerous wild animals, now being kept as pets.

"People may buy them with little idea of how difficult they can be to keep and the animals are sometimes neglected when the novelty wears off and the commitment hits home.

"This is why we would encourage anyone thinking of getting an exotic pet to find out as much as possible about the animal's needs and whether they're a realistic pet."