Nonetheless, subject to certain restrictions in some circumstances, the sale and keeping of primates as pets in the UK and many other countries is currently legal. An estimated 5,000 primates are being kept as pets in the UK, including marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys and lemurs.
Do you need a license to own a monkey in the UK?
Pet Monkey Law UK Legislation and Guidance. Currently, it is not against the law to buy a small monkey from pet shops in Great Britain. They do not perform background checks or issue any licences. That means, in many cases, buying a pet monkey can be as easy as buying a pet bunny rabbit or a goldfish.
What breed of monkey is legal in the UK?
Breeding and selling small monkeys such as marmosets and tamarins is legal with a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. But welfare experts say as few as 5% are actually licensed. The exact number of primates kept as UK pets is unknown.
Is it against the law to own a monkey?
It is illegal to own a monkey in 19 states, including in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Can I own a monkey in UK?
Under UK law it is legal to keep a monkey as a pet with a licence granted Dangerous Wild Animals Act, but welfare experts say that as few as 5 per cent of animals are actually licensed.
Can I have a pet monkey?
Primates should not be considered as pets in the accepted sense of the word. They are wild undomesticated animals that cannot be house-trained or fully tamed.
How can I legally own a monkey?
In California, monkeys and other primates can only be possessed by qualified people issued a permit for a specific legal purpose – such as training monkeys to perform in film and television productions or for use in medical research.
How do I get a monkey license?
You can apply for your licence by:
- telephone with Service NSW – 13 77 88.
- download an application form (PDF 102KB) to upgrade a Native Animal Keeper Licence and email to [email protected] or mail it to the Wildlife Team at: Wildlife Licensing. National Parks and Wildlife Service. Locked Bag 5022.
Is it against the law to buy a monkey in the UK?
It is not against the law to buy a small monkey from pet shops in Great Britain. They do not perform background checks or issue any licences. That means buying a pet monkey is as easy as buying a rabbit or a goldfish.
Do you need a licence to keep a pet monkey?
The keepers of most monkey species need a Dangerous Wild Animal licence. This piece of legislation applies most to British zoos and wildlife parks. But, it is not yet required for keeping the most popular monkey species (e.g. tamarins and marmosets). And the legalities? The current regulations fail to protect most pet primates.
Can you hand-rear a baby monkey?
It is wrong to assume that hand-rearing a baby monkey makes for a ‘tame’ adult. In most cases, mothers need to rear their young as nature intended. Separating mother and baby too early would cause extreme suffering for both of the animals. Currently, it is not against the law to buy a small monkey from pet shops in Great Britain.
Is it legal to sell a private primate in the UK?
Defra produce a Code of Practice for Privately Kept Primates in England. But, general awareness of this guidance is lacking. In fact, it is still legal to sell a primate but you will need specific paperwork for selling some species.
