Our wildlife team are responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 
as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and The Zoo Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. Our wildlife team are responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and The Zoo Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
The Wildlife (Northern Ireland ) Order 1985 (as amended) is equivalent to Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England and Wales and the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 in the Republic of Ireland.
This order gives us the power to issue licences to permit otherwise prohibited action to be taken to resolve problems where there is no other satisfactory solution.
The licensing system safeguards the conservation and welfare of wild animals but provides a way to allow action to be taken when necessary. Further information on wildlife law in Northern Ireland can be found in The Wildlife Law and You (.PDF 1.07Mb) booklet.
General licences are issued annually. Download licences here.
A hard copy of these licences can be obtained from the;
Biodiversity Unit,
Klondyke Building,
Cromac Avenue,
Gasworks Business Park,
Lower Ormeau Road,
Belfast BT7 2JA
or Telephone: 028 9056 9605
All general licences are subject to certain conditions of use. These licences do not give any right of access or right to take action to otherwise unauthorised persons. You should read a copy of the relevant licence in addition to the information below before undertaking any action.