What new law affects private primate keepers in the UK?

The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 requires private primate owners to obtain a license by April 6, 2026.

How many private primate owners have applied for licenses in the UK?

Research found only three applications for new primate licenses, despite estimates of 3,000 to 5,000 primates kept as pets.

What are the welfare concerns for pet primates in the UK?

Pet primates often suffer from physical and psychological illnesses, including metabolic bone disease, diabetes, and chronic pain, due to inadequate care and living conditions.

Home / Environment / UK Pet Primates: Few Owners Apply for Licenses

UK Pet Primates: Few Owners Apply for Licenses

9 Feb

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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.

UK Pet Primates: Few Owners Apply for Licenses

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.