OWNERS of pet monkeys, lemurs, chimpanzees and other primates across the Malvern Hills District are being urged to get licensed before new rules come into force.
From April 6 anyone in England who owns a primate without a licence will be committing a criminal offence, which can include up to 6-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 will be carrying out the inspections on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council. The shared public service is funded by the six district councils in Worcestershire and provides licensing functions across the county.
Coun Jeremy Owenson, portfolio holder for environment and WRS lead member at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “These new licensing requirements are essential to ensure animal welfare standards are met.
“We encourage anyone who owns a primate to apply for a licence as soon as possible so our licensing officers can advise if the new requirements are being met, which gives them time to take action before the new law comes into force.”
Anyone who knows of someone who owns a primate in the Worcestershire area can contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services on [email protected] or call 01905 822799.
