Jodie Marsh Triumphs in Primate Licence Application for Essex Animal Sanctuary
Former glamour model Jodie Marsh has successfully obtained a primate licence for the rescue centre she operates, marking a significant milestone one year after winning a contentious legal dispute regarding the housing of lemurs at the facility. The approval from Uttlesford District Council permits Marsh to keep 12 marmosets at Fripps Farm, located in Lindsell, near Great Dunmow in Essex.
Marsh expressed overwhelming joy, stating she was 'completely over the moon' with the decision. This development precedes the implementation of new regulations designed to safeguard primate welfare under the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024. 'I knew we would get the licence because we’d done everything correctly,' Marsh remarked. 'With the new primate law coming into effect, many people won’t be able to keep their marmosets and thousands will need homes. It is so crucial that those of us who can, do have a licence, so we can rescue more if needed.'
High Standards and Potential Consequences
The animal enthusiast highlighted that the new regulations impose requirements exceeding zoo standards, which could result in small monkeys being abandoned or euthanised if owners fail to secure licences. The primate licence is valid for two years, although the council noted that lemurs are not currently housed at the sanctuary. Should Marsh wish to reintroduce them, she would need to apply for a variation to the licence.
Last June, Marsh wept tears of joy upon winning an appeal for a wild animals licence at Fripps Farm. Uttlesford District Council had initially blocked the application, which involved eight ring-tailed lemurs, after committee members alleged she treated the animals as 'pets'. This followed reports that she had taken a baby meerkat and an owl to a pub, alongside noise concerns from local residents.
Legal Victory and Ongoing Challenges
Marsh, who funds the sanctuary's upkeep for over 400 animals, including emus and reptiles, through earnings from OnlyFans, asserted she faced undue criticism from online trolls. She also noted that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had raised no issues during inspections of her facility.
During the appeal at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, District Judge Christopher Williams ruled in her favour, stating, 'On the basis of the evidence available I am persuaded that the noise made by the lemurs is not a nuisance. I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the decision by Uttlesford District Council was wrong and continues to be wrong. I allow the appeal.' The council had presented video clips of screeching lemurs from a zoo and claimed Marsh failed to provide a noise nuisance survey, but her legal representative argued this was mere speculation.
Community Objections and Personal Defence
The council received 19 objections from residents regarding the licence application. However, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, and the RSPCA did not express any concerns over the lemurs, which are an endangered species from Madagascar. Marsh defended her actions, explaining she had been 'hand-rearing' the meerkat when she took it to a friend’s pub on a few occasions. She described the sanctuary as a lifelong dream and criticised trolls for targeting her various endeavours, from bodybuilding to modelling and now animal care.
In a separate legal matter, Marsh recently pleaded not guilty to assault and two counts of threatening or insulting language in a dispute with neighbours over her sanctuary. She alleged that a neighbour had trespassed and doctored footage to make animals appear 'skeletal'. The case has been adjourned until May 7 next year, with Marsh dismissing the charges as 'ridiculous'.
Uttlesford District Council confirmed in a statement that the primate licence for 12 marmosets is effective from April 6, 2026, to April 5, 2029, and emphasised that no lemurs are currently present, requiring a separate application for any future plans to house them.
