Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – On March 5th, legislation was enacted to prohibit the keeping of primates as pets. This law introduces a licensing system with stringent regulations to ensure that only private keepers meeting new welfare and licensing criteria can own primates. This fulfills a commitment outlined in the manifesto and Action Plan for Animal Welfare to afford greater legal protection to pet primates.
Effective from April 6th, 2026, these measures require all primates in England to adhere to zoo-level standards, essentially outlawing the practice of keeping primates as pets.
It’s estimated that around 5,000 primates are presently kept as pets in domestic environments in the UK. Recognized for their intricate welfare and social requirements, most experts agree that these wild animals cannot be adequately cared for in such settings. These new measures aim to enhance the welfare of potentially thousands of these intelligent creatures.
Lord Douglas-Miller, the Animal Welfare Minister, indicated that they take pride in having some of the highest animal welfare standards globally, and these new restrictions will address the substandard conditions in which some of these curious creatures are kept.
“Anyone who fails to provide the same welfare standards as found in a zoo faces a fine and having the primate removed from their care.”
David Bowles, the Head of Public Affairs at RSPCA, highlights the frequent cases where their committed officers respond to situations where monkeys are living in unsuitable conditions, consuming inappropriate diets, and facing potential suffering in seclusion. He believes that the introduction of this new legislation holds promise in addressing these issues.
Under this law, all private primate keepers will need to obtain a license from their local authority. Failure to adhere to license conditions could result in either an unlimited fine or removal of the primate. Defra intends to collaborate closely with local authorities, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to ensure effective enforcement of these regulations.
