TWO crocodiles are among 81 dangerous wild animals being kept at private addresses in Dorset.

A survey carried out by Born Free revealed the two crocodiles, including spectacled caimans, are living in West Dorset.

While 79 wild boars are also living in the west of the county.

A total of 4,798 dangerous animals are being kept privately in Great Britain.

In the New Forest, 162 wild boars are being kept, while Hampshire is home to six crocodiles including West African dwarf crocodiles and Chinese alligators.

Other animals being kept in Hampshire include 18 lizards, two ring-tailed lemurs and 25 snakes including six western diamondback rattlesnakes, two Indochinese spitting cobras plus 13 venomous reptiles.

In Wales, there is an elephant licensed to be privately kept, and in England a giraffe, as well as 14 wolves, three bears, 13 leopards, three cheetahs, nine lions and nine tigers.

Currently, under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976, anyone in Britain can keep a dangerous wild animal as long as they obtain a licence from their local authority.

The applicant is required to demonstrate that their animals are properly contained and not at risk of escape.

Born Free is calling for a review of the legislation and more restrictions on the ownership of dangerous wild animals.

Dr Chris Draper, head of animal welfare and captivity for Born Free, said: “The keeping of wild animals as pets is a growing concern. The widespread use of the internet has made it easier than ever to ‘order’ or purchase a wild animal without clarification as to where it has come from or how it should be cared for.”