Pet owners across the UK are being alerted to a significant legal shift set to take effect next spring, which will fundamentally alter the rules for keeping certain exotic animals.
What is the New Primate Law?
From April 2026, a new legal requirement will be enforced nationwide. Anyone keeping a non-human primate, such as a marmoset, tamarin, or similar species, in a domestic setting will be mandated to hold a specific primate licence. This amendment was initially announced by the previous government administration in 2024, with guidance now being circulated to ensure compliance.
The official guidance states that both existing and prospective keepers must obtain this licence from their local authority. It explicitly notes that only an individual, not an organisation, can be the holder of such a licence for a primate kept at home.
How to Apply and What's at Stake
The responsibility for issuing these animal licences typically falls to local councils. For example, in Birmingham, it is Birmingham City Council that will process applications, while in other areas it could be a district or borough council.
The licence itself will be valid for a maximum of three years, after which keepers must apply for renewal before it expires. The consequences of failing to comply are severe. Individuals found to be keeping a primate without the necessary licence could face an unlimited fine or even a custodial sentence of up to six months.
Application Requirements for a Primate Licence
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and must not be disqualified from keeping primates. The application process requires detailed information, including:
- The applicant's name and address.
- The species and number of each primate to be kept.
- The premises where the animals will be housed.
- The proposed start date for the licence.
Furthermore, for each individual primate, the following specifics must be provided:
- Its name, sex, and species.
- Its date of birth (or an approximation).
- The number of any implanted microchip.
Once approved, the licence will clearly stipulate the conditions of ownership. This includes the approved location, the permitted species and numbers, the licence period, and the timeframe for renewal. Failure to meet any condition of the licence can also result in a substantial fine.
This legislative move aims to ensure much higher welfare standards for these intelligent and complex animals in private keeping, bringing England's regulations in line with modern animal welfare understanding.
