Primate owners urged to get licensed
News release issued:
Owners of pet monkeys, lemurs, chimpanzees and other primates across Wyre Forest are being urged to get licensed before new rules come into force.
From Monday 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 will be carrying out the inspections on behalf of Wyre Forest. The shared public service is funded by the six district councils in Worcestershire and provides licensing functions across the county.
Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety said:
“These new licensing rules set a much higher standard for anyone who keeps a primate as a pet. These animals have very complex needs, and it’s important that we do everything we can to make sure they’re properly cared for.
If you own a primate, please apply for a licence as soon as you can. Our licensing officers are here to help — they can talk you through the new requirements and give you time to make any changes you need before the new law comes into force.”
Information on the new licensing process, and the application form, is available on the WRS website.
Anyone who knows of someone who owns a primate in the Worcestershire area can email Worcestershire Regulatory Services or call 1905 822799 to raise awareness.