As England prepares to implement stricter regulations on keeping pet monkeys, concerns are rising about the fate of thousands of primates currently in domestic care. The RSPCA has welcomed the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2023, which will come into effect in April 2026, but is urging the UK Government for clarity on how these changes will impact existing pet monkeys.
The new law introduces a rigorous licensing scheme, enforced by local authorities, requiring primate owners to meet standards similar to those in zoos. However, the absence of ‘grandfather rights’ means that current owners will not be exempt from these new requirements. This has raised fears that pet monkeys might be abandoned or left without proper care if their owners cannot meet the strict criteria.
The RSPCA is worried that without clear guidance from the government, many pet monkeys could be left vulnerable. “We need clear direction now from the UK Government about how these new regulations will be implemented,” emphasized David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA. The charity is advocating for a comprehensive plan to ensure the welfare of these animals once the law takes effect.
The UK Government has stated that the new restrictions will effectively end the practice of keeping primates as pets due to their stringent nature. However, the RSPCA remains concerned about the potential consequences for the estimated 5,000 pet monkeys in England, many of which have complex needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment.
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