Government proposes ban on primates as pets
The new proposals would ensure that all primates in England are kept to zoo-level standards.
The Government has set out plans effectively banning the keeping of primates as pets.
The new proposals, which are subject to a four-week public consultation, would ensure that all primates in England are kept to zoo-level standards. Further views are being sought on licensing and draft standards for private primate ownership.
The RSPCA estimates that between 1,000 and 5,000 primates are currently kept as pets in the UK.
While the Animal Welfare Act makes it illegal to keep primates without meeting their welfare needs, these new plans would tighten those rules further by requiring the primates are kept in zoo-level standards.
The latest plans come after the Government controversially dropped the Kept Animals Bill, opting instead to introduce individual legislation for the different issues it covered.
Animal welfare minister Lord Benyon said: “Today’s announcement is the start of the process of ensuring these intelligent and curious wild animals are better protected and respected. This will fulfil the Government’s manifesto commitment to ban the keeping of primates as pets."
British Veterinary Association president Malcolm Morley said: “At first reading, these proposals are a step in the right direction and we are pleased this important issue remains on the agenda. We will be responding directly to the consultation itself and look forward to examining the proposals and results of the consultation in detail.
“However, we urge the Government to ensure it engages with veterinary and zoological organisations to ensure the welfare and protection of these animals is the top priority of any legislation. These proposals would also only apply to England, so we urge the devolved nations to consider taking similar action towards a ban.”
The consultation will run until Tuesday, 18 July and, once confirmed, will be implemented under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
