Monkey Owners Fear Euthanasia Under New 'Zoo-Level' Licensing Rules
Primate owners across England are expressing serious concerns that their beloved animals could face seizure and potential euthanasia under stringent new government regulations set to take effect in April. The legislation requires private keepers to obtain licences demonstrating they can house their primates to what officials describe as "zoo-level standards."
Personal Stories Highlight Widespread Anxiety
Lisa-Marie Bearman, a clinical hypnotherapist from Rochester who keeps nine marmosets with her partner Matt French, represents many owners now facing this dilemma. The couple, who have been together for fifteen years and have owned marmosets since 2014, operate Marmosetdiets—an online feed shop for primates, reptiles, birds and exotic animals—and also design and build animal enclosures for their business.
"Some of the new criteria is not doable for private keepers, who are doing all they can to give their pets a good life," Ms Bearman explained. "In particular, increasing the size of the enclosure. Even some zoos don't have the right size of enclosure for them. Matt and I try to give our monkeys a model habitat, but under the new laws, we would lose them."
The Critical Space Shortage in Rescue Centres
Perhaps the most alarming aspect for owners is the potential outcome for animals that are confiscated. Ms Bearman highlighted that there are currently no available spaces at zoos or rescue centres to accommodate seized monkeys, meaning euthanasia becomes a likely consequence for animals removed from their homes.
"It will be distressing for both the owners and the monkeys as well," she said. "There is no room for monkeys because centres are full. So they could be euthanised if there's nowhere for them to go. I am hoping that when the inspections take place, the care the monkeys do receive is taken into account."
Government Position and Animal Welfare Objectives
The government estimates there may be up to 5,000 pet primates nationwide and maintains that these measures aim to improve animal welfare standards. Animal Welfare Minister Lord Douglas-Miller stated: "We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, including these new restrictions which will help tackle the inadequate conditions that some of these inquisitive creatures are kept in. Anyone who fails to provide the same welfare standards as found in a zoo faces a fine and having the primate removed from their care."
Charity Calls for Even Stricter Measures
Meanwhile, international wildlife charity Born Free argues that the new legislation doesn't go far enough and is calling for a complete ban on keeping monkeys as pets. According to data obtained through 294 Freedom of Information requests submitted to local authorities, just three applications for the new licences have been made across the country over the past year.
Chris Lewis, Born Free's captivity research and policy manager, commented: "Primates are complex, intelligent animals whose needs cannot be met when kept as a pet. Although not the complete ban which experts and primatologists advocated for, the introduction of the regulations represented an important step towards protecting privately kept primates, but their success depends on effective implementation and strict enforcement."
Owners' Emotional Connection and Practical Concerns
For many primate owners, these animals represent cherished family members rather than mere pets. Ms Bearman, who previously backed the RSPCA's call for licences in 2021, now finds herself among "many" people contacting her business who are "worried" they won't be able to obtain the necessary licences under the new criteria.
"I am telling people not to worry too much," she said, while acknowledging the genuine anxiety spreading through the primate-owning community as the April implementation date approaches.
The situation presents a complex challenge balancing animal welfare concerns with the practical realities of private ownership, enclosure requirements, and limited rescue capacity—a dilemma that will likely unfold further as the new regulations come into force.
