OWNERS of pet monkeys, lemurs, chimpanzees and other primates across Wyre Forest are being urged to get a licence for them before new rules come into force.
From April 6 this year, anyone in England who owns a primate without a licence will be committing a criminal offence, which can include up to six-month in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
A Dangerous Wild Animal Licence may also be needed if primate owners don’t already have one in place.
The new licensing requirements are being introduced as part of the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 which aim to significantly boost welfare standards for primates kept as pets.
What owners must do?
To get a licence, owners will have to prove they are meeting zoo-level welfare standards such as building the right size enclosure for them, providing the right diet and proving the primate is free from pain, injury and suffering.
Licences will last three years with inspections carried out by a licensing officer along with a specialist vet or zookeeper.
The Government estimates up to 5,000 primates may currently be kept as pets in homes across England.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services will be carrying out the inspections on behalf of Wyre Forest.
The shared public service is funded by the six district councils in Worcestershire and provides licensing functions across the county.
Coun Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety said:
“These new licensing rules set a much higher standard for anyone who keeps a primate as a pet. These animals have very complex needs, and it’s important that we do everything we can to make sure they’re properly cared for.”
He urged anyone in Wyre Forest who owned a primate to ‘apply for a licence as soon as they could’.
“Our licensing officers are here to help – they can talk you through the new requirements and give you time to make any changes you need before the new law comes into force.”
Information on the new licensing process, and the application form, are available by visiting: worcsregservices.gov.uk and searching for ‘Primate Keeper Licences’.
Anyone who knows of someone who owns a primate in the Worcestershire area can contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 01905 822799 or [email protected] to raise awareness.
