New UK Laws: Primate Owners & Dog Walkers Face Fines

In England, new regulations will require private keepers of primates to obtain a license and adhere to stringent welfare standards by April 6, 2026. This licensing regime, part of the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024, aims to ensure the complex needs of species like marmosets and lemurs are met. Local authorities will administer and enforce these rules, encouraging owners to seek advice well in advance of the deadline.

Meanwhile, dog owners are facing significantly increased penalties for livestock worrying and attacks, with new measures coming into effect on March 18, 2026. The law now imposes unlimited fines and up to a year in prison for such offenses. Police are empowered to seize dogs if there are reasonable grounds to believe they pose a risk to livestock, reinforcing the serious consequences of uncontrolled canine behavior around farm animals.