The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 came into force on 6 April 2026. The legislation brings in a licensing scheme, setting strict rules to make sure only private keepers who can provide zoo-level welfare standards can keep primates.
A primate is an animal of any species other than human beings that belong to the primate order of mammals. This includes but is not limited to, any species of -
- monkey
- ape
- lemur
- loris
- tarsier
From 6 April 2026, all private primate keepers and people proposing to keep a primate will be required to hold a licence, valid for a maximum of 3 years, and undergo reassessment to renew their permission to keep their animals. Details of the process and the fees associated with such a licence are available via the Animal Warden team.
A person who keeps a primate in England without the required licence will be committing an offence under Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and will be liable on conviction to imprisonment for up to 6 months, a fine, or both.
If you wish to discuss this with a member of the team or report any concerns you may have regarding such animals being kept without the required licence, email animal.enforcement@hullcc.gov.uk.