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New law to restrict keeping of pet monkeys in England
When the law is enacted, pet primates will only be allowed under licence from 30 April 2026.
RSPCA calls for details on fate of existing kept monkeys.

A new law is set to make it illegal to keep a monkey at home, unless the owner meets specific standards.

However the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has called for further details of the fate of monkeys currently kept in homes, ahead of the rules being introduced in 2026.

The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2023 was passed on 27 February. It will mean it is illegal to keep a primate in a home in England, unless the owner meets licensing conditions enforced by the local authority.

When the law is enacted, pet primates will only be allowed under licence from 30 April 2026. The government has said that these licensing requirements will be equivalent to those required by zoos.

Bans on the keeping of primates had previously been included in the government’s Kept Animals Bill, before it was scrapped in May last year.

The new legislation has been welcomed by the RSPCA, which says it has long campaigned for a ban on keeping and selling primates as pets. The welfare charity believes that it is ‘practically impossible’ to fulfil a monkey’s needs at home.

The charity reports that its welfare officers have often encountered situations where monkeys have been kept in inappropriate conditions in private homes. It says that this legislation, which formed part of the Conservative Party’s manifesto, has the potential to improve the wellbeing of primates.

However, while the RSPCA has welcomed the newly passed legislation, it has expressed concerns for the welfare of pet primates that are currently kept in homes ahead of the law being enacted.

Dr Ros Clubb, RSPCA’s head of wildlife, said: “While this new law is an important step forward, we need a clear plan from the UK government about the potentially thousands of pet monkeys living in households across England.

“We need ministers to clearly set out how the welfare needs of these monkeys will be met once the new law comes into force.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.