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RSPCA calls for ‘urgent’ monkey law clarity
Many monkey owners will be unable to keep their animals from 6 April 2026.
It calls for safeguards to prevent animals being abandoned.

The RSPCA has urged the UK government to provide clarity on upcoming regulations on the keeping of pet monkeys.

The plea comes one year before new legislation comes into force, which is expected to significantly reduce the number of monkeys being kept as pets.

The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2023 was signed into law in March 2024. It is due to come into force on 6 April 2026.

Under the new licensing scheme, keepers of monkeys will have to meet new welfare and licensing standards to keep their animal. Monkeys will need to be kept to zoo-level standards, with conditions enforced by local authorities.

Welfare experts state that these conditions are practically impossible within a home environment, with the law essentially banning the keeping of monkeys as pets. Existing owners will not be exempt from the strict criteria.

However the RSPCA fears that, without proper safeguarding, there will not be appropriate measures in place for pet monkeys legally unable to stay with their owners. The charity says this could lead to monkeys being ‘abandoned, dumped and turfed out onto the streets’.

The RSPCA says that there is a lack of data on pet monkeys, however estimates suggest approximately 5,000 monkeys are being kept as pets across the UK. It is calling for the UK government to produce a ‘roadmap’, describing how new regulations will be implemented.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: "Sadly, our frontline officers have seen the impact of pet primates living in houses, being fed inappropriate diets and experiencing a poor and unacceptable quality of life.
 
"But with thousands of pet monkeys estimated to be being kept across England, we need clear direction now from the UK government about how these new regulations will be implemented, what provisions will be made for monkeys needing to leave inappropriate homes, and how local authorities will be supported to enforce the rules."

Ros Clubb, head of wildlife at the RSPCA, added: "There's a real risk that without a clear roadmap, monkeys could end up suffering illegally behind closed doors, or face being abandoned, dumped and turfed out onto the streets.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
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Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com