Monkeys are fascinating and intelligent animals, and some people may be tempted to keep them as pets. However, owning a pet monkey in the UK is not as simple as buying one from a pet shop or online. There are many legal, ethical, and practical issues to consider before taking on such a responsibility. In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of UK pet monkey laws, and what you need to know before adopting a primate.
What are the legal requirements for keeping a pet monkey in the UK?
The UK does not have a specific law that bans or regulates the ownership of pet monkeys. However, there are several other laws and regulations that affect the keeping of primates as pets, such as:
- The Animal Welfare Act 2006, which states that anyone who is responsible for an animal must ensure that its needs are met, such as providing a suitable environment, diet, companionship, and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
- The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which requires anyone who keeps a wild animal that is considered dangerous to obtain a licence from their local authority. The licence may have conditions attached, such as the size and security of the enclosure, the veterinary care, and the insurance. The list of animals that are considered dangerous includes some species of monkeys, such as macaques, baboons, and mandrills.
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade of endangered animals and plants, and requires a permit for the import or export of certain species. Many species of monkeys are listed under CITES, and some are endangered or critically endangered, such as the golden lion tamarin, the black-headed spider monkey, and the pygmy marmoset.
- The Zoo Licensing Act 1981, which defines a zoo as any establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public, and requires a licence from the local authority. The licence may have conditions attached, such as the standards of animal welfare, conservation, education, and research. The definition of a zoo is broad, and may apply to anyone who keeps a large number of primates, or allows public access to their premises, even if they do not charge a fee.
These are some of the main legal requirements for keeping a pet monkey in the UK, but there may be others depending on the specific circumstances, such as the species, the source, the location, and the purpose of keeping the animal. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a lawyer, a veterinarian, and the relevant authorities before acquiring a pet monkey in the UK.
What are the ethical and practical issues of keeping a pet monkey in the UK?
Apart from the legal requirements, there are also ethical and practical issues to consider before keeping a pet monkey in the UK. Some of these are:
- The welfare of the animal. Monkeys are highly social, intelligent, and complex animals, and they have specific needs that are difficult to meet in captivity. They need a large and enriched enclosure, a varied and nutritious diet, regular veterinary care, and the company of their own kind. They also need mental stimulation, physical exercise, and behavioural enrichment. Keeping a monkey in a small cage, feeding it an inappropriate diet, or isolating it from other monkeys can cause serious physical and psychological problems, such as obesity, diabetes, dental disease, aggression, depression, anxiety, and self-mutilation.
- The safety of the owner and the public. Monkeys can be unpredictable, strong, and potentially dangerous, especially when they reach sexual maturity. They may bite, scratch, or attack their owners or other people, and transmit diseases, such as rabies, herpes, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. They may also escape from their enclosure, and cause damage to property, harm to wildlife, or risk to traffic. Keeping a monkey as a pet can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the owner and the public, and may result in legal liability, fines, or prosecution.
- The conservation of the species. Many species of monkeys are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade. Buying a pet monkey from an unregulated source may contribute to the decline of wild populations, and undermine the efforts of conservation organisations. Moreover, captive-bred monkeys are not suitable for reintroduction into the wild, as they lack the skills and knowledge to survive in their natural environment. Keeping a monkey as a pet can have a negative impact on the conservation of the species, and may violate international agreements and conventions.
These are some of the ethical and practical issues of keeping a pet monkey in the UK, but there may be others depending on the individual case, such as the moral, social, and financial implications. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully, and to seek expert advice and guidance before making such a decision.
Conclusion
Keeping a pet monkey in the UK is not illegal, but it is not advisable either. There are many legal, ethical, and practical issues to consider before adopting a primate, and the risks and challenges outweigh the benefits and rewards. Monkeys are not suitable pets for most people, and they are better off in their natural habitat, or in a reputable sanctuary or zoo. If you are interested in monkeys, there are other ways to support and enjoy them, such as visiting a wildlife park, volunteering for a conservation project, or donating to a charity. Monkeys are amazing animals, but they are not meant to be pets.
References
- Animal Welfare Act 2006: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents
- Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1976/38/contents
- Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2004/703/schedule/1/made
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.php
- CITES Appendices I, II and III: https://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php
- Zoo Licensing Act 1981: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/37/contents
- Zoo Licensing Act 1981: Guide to the Act’s provisions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69590/pb13509-zoo-licensing-act.pdf
- The welfare of primates kept as pets: https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/staticImages/Downloads/Primates_as_pets_report.pdf
- Zoonotic diseases in non-human primates: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/zoonotic-diseases-in-non-human-primates
- Keeping monkeys as pets: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/keeping-monkeys-as-pets
- The primate pet trade: https://www.monkeyworld.org/the-primate-pet-trade/