Keeping a monkey as a pet could be banned in England under new Government proposals aiming to crack down on animal cruelty.
As many as 5,000 primates including monkeys, apes and lemurs are thought to be living outside of licensed zoos, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The wild mammals are highly intelligent and have very specific requirements including open space, a varied diet and social contact. But these complex needs cannot be met in a home environment, leaving them seriously depressed.
RSPCA inspectors say they have encountered ‘shocking’ situations where animals are living in ‘squalor’ and being fed fast food, sugary drinks and Class A drugs.
Many end up needing treatment for mobility issues and psychological damage due to being isolated alone.
Campaigners believe current laws do not protect monkeys from abuse or mistreatment.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith said: ‘Primates are hugely intelligent and socially complex animals.
‘When they are confined in tiny cages, often alone and with little stimulation, their lives are a misery.
‘It’s important that we take action to prevent the suffering caused to them when they are kept as pets and so I am delighted that we are moving a big step closer towards banning the practice.’
Marmosets are the most commonly held primates in the UK, with capuchins, squirrel monkeys, lemurs and tamarins also popular pets.
Those who do keep the wild animals without a zoo licence would need to get a new specialist private primate keeper licence to ensure they are meeting the required high welfare standards.
New rules on breeding and transferring primates would also be introduced under the proposals.
Members of the public are being asked to give their views on the potential changes as part of an eight-week consultation launched today.
Dorset-based animal sanctuary Monkey World said it has taken in more than 100 primates from the UK pet trade.
Around 78 have been rescued in the past 10 years and there are more than 100 on its waiting list.
Monkey World director Dr Alison Cronin warned: ‘Current laws are not protecting the monkeys from abuse or neglect, as they arrive at the park malnourished, with rickets, mobility problems and psychologically damaged as a result of living in solitary confinement, inside people’s houses.
‘We are asking people to take part in this consultation to signal that this trade is unacceptable and the current legislation is not working. The laws must change.’
Dr Ros Clubb, senior scientific manager at the RSPCA animal charity, said the ban ‘can’t come soon enough’.
She added: ‘Just like humans, primates can become depressed without adequate stimulation.
‘They need a spacious and enriched environment that challenges their intelligent brains and allows for them to behave like primates should.’
For more information and to view the consultation click here.
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