There is some evidence that the welfare of primates is compromised where they are kept as ‘pets’ and where their welfare needs are not fully understood.
As a result of concerns raised during the passage of the Animal Welfare Act through Parliament, the government intends to introduce a code of practice on the keeping of primates as pets. It is anticipated that this will restrict the keeping of primates by private keepers to specialists.
This will provide a comprehensive guide for primate owners and keepers on how they can best meet the needs of their animal and so meet their ‘duty of care’ under the Animal Welfare Act.
The government has convened a working group of experts to consider the standards that should be included in the code of practice. Members include representatives of zoos, primate sanctuaries, specialist vets and private keepers.
The code will be subject to public consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny, and is intended to be introduced in 2008.
Page last modified:
June 2, 2008
Page published: April 4, 2007