People keeping monkeys or other primates as pets in Wiltshire will need a licence under new laws coming into force early next year.
From Monday 6 April 2026, it will be illegal to keep a primate without a valid licence – as part of the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024.
Wiltshire Council is urging anyone who owns a primate to act now and begin the application process.
The new legislation is designed to improve welfare standards for species including tamarins, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, capuchins and lemurs.
It aims to ensure that owners meet strict criteria, including providing care equivalent to that in a zoo.
To obtain a licence, owners must provide suitable housing and diet, prevent social isolation unless there is a justified reason, allow for regular veterinary checks, and keep detailed records of the animal’s health and welfare.
Licences can already be applied for. However, anyone who fails to obtain one by the deadline will be committing an offence if they continue to keep a primate.
Selling, gifting, or transferring a primate without proper approval will also be banned under the new law.
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “As there was no previous requirement for a licence of this type, we don’t know how many primates are currently being kept as pets in Wiltshire.
“Primates are highly intelligent and social animals that need specialist care.
“This new law is a vital step forward in protecting their welfare and ensuring they are not kept in unsuitable conditions.
“We encourage anyone currently keeping a primate to contact our licensing team as soon as possible to begin the application process and avoid falling foul of the law when it comes into force next April.”
Owners who are unable to meet the new standards may need to rehome their primates before the law changes. More details and application information are available here.
