OWNERS of pet monkeys, lemurs, chimpanzees and other primates in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Droitwich are being urged to get their animals licensed 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 aims to significantly boost welfare standards for primates kept as pets.
In order 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 (WRS) will be carrying out the inspections on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, Redditch Borough Council and Wychavon District Council.
The shared public service is funded by the six district councils in Worcestershire and provides licensing functions across the county.
Bromsgrove District Councillor Kit Taylor, whose portfolio covers WRS, said: “We wanted to give people wanting to own a primate as a pet plenty of time to meet the high standards set by these new licensing rules before they come into effect.”
Redditch Borough Councillor Jane Spilsbury, who covers WRS, said: “Primates have high-level needs so it is important these rules are put in place to guard their welfare.
“Please make sure you obtain a licence before the new rules come into force.”
Coun Rick Deller, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Housing, regulatory and customer services, urged primate owners to apply for the licences and said: “These animals have complex needs and it’s right to ensure we’re doing everything we can to safeguard their welfare.”
Visit: worcsregservices.gov.uk for more information on the new licensing process and the application form which is available by heading to the website and searching for ‘Primate Keeper Licences’.
Anyone who knows of someone who owns a primate in the Worcestershire area can contact WRS on 01905 822799 or email: [email protected] to raise awareness.
