Keeping a pet monkey at home will quickly turn out to be unlawful in England until you meet particular requirements – with a brand new regulation set to undergo the House of Commons tomorrow (31 January).
The RSPCA has lengthy campaigned for a ban on the conserving and sale of primates as pets. In the absence of an outright ban, licensing ought to restrict who can maintain primates within the long-term and, if correctly enforced, will limit primate conserving. However, the charity has referred to as for the UK Government to urgently make clear the destiny of present pet monkeys as soon as the brand new guidelines are launched in 2026.
On Wednesday, the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2023 shall be mentioned by a committee of Members of Parliament – and is broadly anticipated to go.
It will then go onto the House of Lords.
Under the plans, it’s going to turn out to be unlawful for a primate to be saved in a home in England – until house owners meet sure licensing situations, enforced by the native authority. The UK Government has acknowledged that the requirements shall be equal to these required in zoos.
Once enacted, the conserving of monkeys and different pet primates will solely be allowed underneath licence from 30 April 2026.
Presently, the RSPCA estimates 5,000 pet monkeys might be saved within the UK – regardless of it being “practically impossible” to satisfy their advanced wants in a home home.
David Bowles, head of public affairs on the RSPCA, stated: “Meeting the wants of monkeys and different primates is virtually unimaginable to do in a family, home atmosphere.
“Stopping the conserving of those primates as pets was a manifesto dedication from the Conservative Party – and it’s so necessary the UK Government retains this pledge.
“That’s why this laws shall be a extremely necessary second for animal welfare – making certain primates can solely be saved in an applicable atmosphere, as all of us attempt to create a greater world for each animal.
“Too often, our dedicated officers are called to properties where monkeys live in the wrong surroundings, eat totally inappropriate diets and are at risk of suffering behind closed doors. This new law has the potential to change that.”
However, regardless of welcoming the brand new regulation, the RSPCA has urged the UK Government to supply assurances about monkeys at the moment saved as pets – and what’s going to occur to them after 2026.
Marmoset monkeys, that are essentially the most widespread kind seen as pets, have a mean lifespan of between 10 and 12 years – however can stay for 20 years or extra.
Dr Ros Clubb, RSPCA head of wildlife, added: “While this new regulation is a vital step ahead, we’d like a transparent plan from the UK Government in regards to the 1000’s of pet monkeys dwelling in England.
“With no ‘grandfather rights’ in the law, we need Ministers to clearly set out how the welfare needs of these monkeys will be met once the new law comes into force.”
Plans to finish the conserving of primates as pets had been beforehand included within the UK Government’s flagship Kept Animals Bill – however that was binned final 12 months.
In Wales, the Welsh Government is at the moment consulting on the longer term licensing of personal primate possession – which the RSPCA is responding to.
