Legislation recently introduced by the UK government means future strict controls on domestic primate captivity. This follows a long-standing campaign by the RSPCA.
A public consultation in 2023 also showed near-unanimous support for a ban on privately keeping primates without owners who do not have the relevant animal welfare license.
Up to 5,000 primates are kept as pets in the UK. The most commonly bred and traded species are marmoset monkeys, descendants of animals whose primary habitat is the rainforests of South America.
In many ways, marmosets symbolize why primates in general are unsuitable pets. They are long-lived, intelligent and social creatures adapted to a life where they and their groups roam freely in complex environments eating a variety of foods. They also scent, spreading a musky smell that is not welcome in human homes.
As a result, keeping marmosets alone and eating a limited diet in a small room can cause severe stress and other health problems.
RSPCA inspectors regularly see 'pet' primates suffering from behavioral problems and extremely poor health, particularly metabolic bone disease (known in humans as rickets) due to inadequate care. It is reported that they are doing so. This painful disease causes bone pain, poor growth, and can soften bones and cause deformity.
RSPCA inspectors regularly report seeing 'pet' primates with behavioral problems or in extremely poor health.
RSPCA communications director David Bowles said: “Meeting the needs of monkeys and other primates is virtually impossible to do in the home.
“It is a Conservative party manifesto commitment to end the keeping of these primates as pets, and it is vital that the UK Government lives up to this commitment. That is why this bill marks such an important moment for animal welfare. “Ensuring that primates are kept domestically only.”As we all strive to build a better world for all animals, we need the right environment. ”
New rules will require all private primate keepers in the UK to obtain a license through their local authority for a fee. Licenses require tests to assess whether welfare standards are high. It is valid for no more than three years, during which time at least one inspection of the animals and facilities will be carried out, followed by a re-evaluation if a new permit is required.
A public consultation in 2023 also showed near-unanimous support for a ban on privately keeping primates without owners who do not have the relevant animal welfare license.
UK Animal Welfare Secretary Douglas Miller said: 'Primates are intelligent and curious animals and we are delivering on our commitment to ban these curious creatures from being kept as pets. ” he said.
Dr Ross Crabb from the RSPCA Wildlife Department welcomed the UK Government's commitment to abolish domestic primate captivity, saying it would bring an end to the shocking conditions witnessed by RSPCA inspectors. He said he was looking forward to it. They are fed fast food, sugary drinks and even Class A drugs, deprived of their own kind, living in dirt and squalor, and suffering from disease. ”
The Welsh Government is currently consulting on licensing private primate keepers.
