Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th February 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.