Former glamour model Jodie Marsh has been granted a new licence to keep 12 marmosets at her animal rescue centre in Essex, ending a protracted legal battle with the local council.
The 47-year-old, who runs Fripps Farm in Lindsell near Great Dunmow, said she was 'elated' and 'completely over the moon' after Uttlesford District Council approved her application. The licence is effective from April 6 until April 5 2029, under the new Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024.
Marsh previously took the council to court after it refused to grant a wild animal licence for eight ring-tailed lemurs, winning her case in June. She said the new regulations are 'higher than zoo standards' and warned that many small monkeys could be put down or abandoned if owners fail to obtain licences.
Marsh rose to fame on ITV's Essex Wives in 2002 and has since founded the private 3.5-acre sanctuary, which houses alpacas, emus and reptiles. She has used earnings from OnlyFans to partly fund the site.
Last week, Marsh appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court accused of assaulting a man at the farm in January. She denied assault and using threatening words against Christopher Hynes and Susan Hammond.
