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UK Pet Primates: Few Owners Apply for Licenses
9 Feb
Summary
- New UK law requires private primate keepers to obtain a license by April 6, 2026.
- Estimates suggest 3,000-5,000 primates are kept as pets, but only three license applications were found.
- Animal welfare groups express concern over low application rates and potential hidden primate ownership.
A new UK law, the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024, will come into effect on April 6, 2026. This legislation requires all private primate keepers to obtain a license, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines or imprisonment. Research by the Born Free Foundation indicates a concerningly low number of applications, with only three submitted so far, despite government estimates suggesting 3,000 to 5,000 primates are kept as pets across the UK.
Animal sanctuaries are raising alarms over these findings. Wild Futures reports that the vast majority of primate owners have not yet applied for the necessary license. Concerns are mounting that many owners are aware of the regulations but are choosing not to comply, potentially keeping their primates in secret. This lack of transparency raises significant welfare concerns, as primates are highly intelligent and complex animals requiring specialized care.
Experts emphasize that primates kept as pets, such as marmosets and tamarinds, often suffer from serious physical and psychological health issues due to inadequate living conditions and incorrect diets. These issues can include metabolic bone disease, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic pain. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs states that primates must be provided with zoo-level welfare standards under the new laws and urges private keepers to comply, adding that local authorities are being supported in enforcing the scheme.
