New Licensing For Pet Primates

Owners of pet monkeys, lemurs, chimpanzees and other primates across Redditch are being urged to get licensed before new rules come into force.

From 6 April, 2026, 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 (WRS) will be carrying out the inspections on behalf of Redditch Borough Council.

The shared public service is funded by the six district councils in Worcestershire and provides licensing functions across the county.

Borough Councillor Jane Spilsbury, whose portfolio covers WRS, said: “Primates have high-level needs so it is important these rules are put in place to guard their welfare.

“Please make sure you obtain a licence before the new rules come into force.”

Information on the new licensing process, and the application form, is available by searching for Primate Keeper Licences at www.worcsregservices.gov.uk.

Anyone who knows of someone who owns a primate in the County area can contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 01905 822799 or enquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk to raise awareness.