Can You Keep a Deer as a Pet in the UK? Laws & Reality (2025)

The idea of a pet deer seems magical - those big eyes, gentle demeanor, and graceful movement. But can you actually keep one in the UK? The answer is complicated.

Muntjac deer are completely banned. Other species like red deer and fallow deer technically don't need a DWA license - but that doesn't mean they're suitable pets.

UK Deer Species & Their Legal Status

There are six deer species in the UK, each with different legal status:

Key point: Deer are not listed on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act schedule. This means no DWA license is required - but other laws still apply.

Muntjac Deer: Why They're Banned

If you've searched for pet deer in the UK, you've probably seen muntjac - small, dog-sized deer that seem like the perfect exotic pet. Unfortunately, they're completely banned.

The 2019 Ban

The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 came into effect on December 1, 2019, making muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) a controlled species.

According to GOV.UK guidance, you must NOT:

• Keep them in your house, garden, or business

• Sell them to other people

• Breed them

• Let them escape into the wild

• Import them into the UK

Why Were Muntjac Banned?

Muntjac originally came from China and were brought to Woburn Abbey in the early 1900s. Escapes led to wild populations that now cause serious problems:

• Woodland damage: Browse on native plants, preventing forest regeneration

• Garden destruction: Eat crops, flowers, and vegetables

• Native species impact: Compete with and displace native roe deer

• No natural predators: Population grows unchecked

The British Deer Society provides detailed information on the ban's background.

What If You Already Own a Muntjac?

If you owned a muntjac before December 1, 2019, you may keep it under strict conditions:

• Must be maintained in a secure, contained holding it cannot escape from

• Must prevent breeding

• Cannot sell or exchange the animal

• Must provide evidence of pre-ban ownership (vet records, purchase receipts with dates)

If you didn't own one before the ban, there is no legal way to acquire a muntjac deer as a pet in the UK.

Penalties for Breaking the Ban

• Fines: Unlimited

• Imprisonment: Up to 2 years

• Animal seizure: Muntjac can be confiscated

• 5-year ban: May be prohibited from reapplying for any animal permits

Red Deer, Fallow Deer & Sika

Red Deer and Fallow Deer

These species are not banned and don't require a DWA license. Technically, you could keep them - but "legal" doesn't mean "good idea."

Legal requirements:

• Must comply with the Deer Act 1991 (England/Wales) or Deer (Scotland) Act 1996

• Must meet Animal Welfare Act 2006 standards

• Enclosure must prevent escape (releasing them can be illegal depending on location)

• May need planning permission for enclosures

Sika Deer

Sika deer are in a grey area:

• Not banned outright like muntjac

• Illegal to release under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

• Can hybridise with native red deer (genetic pollution concern)

• Some councils may have additional restrictions

Chinese Water Deer

Like muntjac, Chinese water deer are classified as a "widely spread" invasive species. While not subject to the same complete ban, restrictions apply and keeping them as pets is strongly discouraged.

UK Laws Explained

Multiple laws affect deer keeping in the UK:

1. Deer Act 1991 (England & Wales)

This is the primary legislation governing deer in England and Wales. It covers:

• Close seasons (when deer cannot be hunted)

• Prohibited weapons and methods

• Poaching offences

• Welfare provisions for captured deer

If you keep deer, the Deer Act 1991 applies to you.

2. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Schedule 9 makes it illegal to release muntjac, sika, or sika hybrids into the wild anywhere in the UK. Even accidentally allowing escape may be prosecuted.

3. Invasive Alien Species Order 2019

The IAS Order 2019 bans keeping, breeding, selling, and releasing muntjac deer specifically.

4. Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 applies to all captive animals. You must provide:

• Suitable environment

• Suitable diet

• Ability to exhibit normal behaviour

• Housing with or apart from other animals as appropriate

• Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease

Failure to meet these standards is a criminal offence - even if the species itself is legal to keep.

5. Deer (Scotland) Act 1996

Scotland has separate legislation under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 with additional requirements, including deer registration in some circumstances.

Why Deer Make Terrible Pets

Even where legal, deer are not suitable domestic pets. Here's why:

Space Requirements

• Minimum: Several acres of secure outdoor space

• Cannot be kept indoors: Not house pets under any circumstances

• Fencing: Red deer can jump 2+ metres; secure fencing costs thousands

• Social animals: Keeping one alone causes stress; need groups

Behavioural Problems

• Flight animals: Easily stressed by human presence, dogs, noise

• Aggression during rut: Male deer become dangerous during breeding season

• Cannot be housetrained: Will defecate throughout any indoor space

• Unpredictable: Even "tame" deer remain wild animals with wild instincts

• Antlers: Males grow antlers that can cause serious injury

Health & Veterinary Issues

• Few vets: Very few exotic vets treat deer - most refuse

• Specialist diet: Require browse, hay, specific minerals - not dog/cat food

• Stress-related illness: Easily develop capture myopathy (can be fatal)

• Parasites: Prone to worms and other parasites requiring specialist treatment

Lifespan & Commitment

• Red deer: Live 15-20+ years

• Fallow deer: Live 12-16 years

• Daily care: Need feeding, water, health checks every single day

• Holiday cover: Extremely difficult to find pet sitters

The Social Media Problem

Videos of "pet deer" online typically show:

• Orphaned fawns (which grow up and become problematic)

• Deer on farms with proper facilities (not pets)

• Countries with different laws

• Temporarily "tame" animals before they reach maturity

The reality is very different from cute fawn videos.

Better Alternatives

If you're drawn to deer-like qualities, consider these legal, suitable alternatives:

For Gentle Herbivore Appeal

• Guinea pigs: Gentle, herbivorous, great pets

• Rabbits: Can be kept outdoors, gentle, legally simple

• Chinchillas: Soft, curious, long-lived

For Unique Exotic Appeal

• Pygmy goats: Similar browsing behaviour, much more suitable as pets

• Alpacas: Large, gentle, legal (with proper space)

• Miniature donkeys: Gentle, interactive, legal

For Wildlife Interaction

• Wildlife gardens: Attract wild deer to visit naturally

• Deer parks: Visit places like Bushy Park, Richmond Park

• Wildlife photography: Observe without ownership

For more legal exotic options, see our exotic pets without license UK guide and best first exotic pet guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you legally keep a deer as a pet in the UK?

It depends on the species. Muntjac deer are BANNED under the Invasive Alien Species Order 2019 - you cannot buy, sell, breed, or keep new ones. Red deer and fallow deer are NOT on the DWA schedule, so technically don't require a license, but you must comply with the Deer Act 1991 and Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Are muntjac deer legal in the UK?

No. Since December 2019, muntjac deer are banned under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order. You cannot keep, buy, sell, breed, or release them. If you owned one before December 2019, you may keep it under strict conditions.

Do you need a license to keep deer in the UK?

No DWA license is required for deer - they're not listed on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act schedule. However, you must comply with the Deer Act 1991 (England/Wales) or Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, plus the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Why are muntjac deer banned in the UK?

Muntjac are classified as invasive non-native species. Originally from China, they escaped from Woburn Abbey in the early 1900s and now cause significant damage to native woodlands, crops, and gardens. The 2019 ban prevents further spread.

What happens if I release a pet deer in the UK?

Releasing muntjac or sika deer is illegal under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Penalties include fines and up to 2 years imprisonment. Even accidentally allowing escape can be prosecuted.

Do deer make good pets?

No. Deer are wild animals unsuitable for domestic life. They're easily stressed, require large outdoor space (not house pets), can become aggressive during rut, need specialist diet, and few vets can treat them. Even "tame" deer remain unpredictable.

The Bottom Line

While some deer species are technically legal to keep in the UK without a DWA license, the reality is:

• Muntjac: Completely banned - no legal way to get one

• Other species: Legal but require acres of space, specialist care, and cause significant challenges

• Suitability: None make good pets - they're wild animals with wild needs

If you're genuinely interested in deer, consider:

• Visiting deer parks

• Supporting deer conservation

• Wildlife photography

• Keeping more suitable exotic pets

Whatever exotic pet you choose, use our UK Exotic Vet Directory to find specialists before committing. In emergencies, check our 24/7 emergency vet finder.

For more on UK exotic pet laws, see our complete legal guide, DWA Act guide, and pet regulations hub.

Official Sources

All information verified from official UK government and conservation sources (December 2025):

• GOV.UK - Invasive Non-Native Species Rules - Muntjac ban details

• British Deer Society - Muntjac IAS Order - Expert guidance on the ban

• Deer Act 1991 - England & Wales deer legislation

• Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 - Scottish deer legislation

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Schedule 9 - Release prohibition list

• Animal Welfare Act 2006 - Captive animal welfare requirements