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Government proposes ban on primates as pets
The new proposals would ensure that all primates in England are kept to zoo-level standards.
The new ban will ensure all primates are kept in zoo-level conditions.

The Government has set out plans effectively banning the keeping of primates as pets.

The new proposals, which are subject to a four-week public consultation, would ensure that all primates in England are kept to zoo-level standards. Further views are being sought on licensing and draft standards for private primate ownership.

The RSPCA estimates that between 1,000 and 5,000 primates are currently kept as pets in the UK.

While the Animal Welfare Act makes it illegal to keep primates without meeting their welfare needs, these new plans would tighten those rules further by requiring the primates are kept in zoo-level standards.

The latest plans come after the Government controversially dropped the Kept Animals Bill, opting instead to introduce individual legislation for the different issues it covered.

Animal welfare minister Lord Benyon said: “Today’s announcement is the start of the process of ensuring these intelligent and curious wild animals are better protected and respected. This will fulfil the Government’s manifesto commitment to ban the keeping of primates as pets."

British Veterinary Association president Malcolm Morley said: “At first reading, these proposals are a step in the right direction and we are pleased this important issue remains on the agenda. We will be responding directly to the consultation itself and look forward to examining the proposals and results of the consultation in detail.

“However, we urge the Government to ensure it engages with veterinary and zoological organisations to ensure the welfare and protection of these animals is the top priority of any legislation. These proposals would also only apply to England, so we urge the devolved nations to consider taking similar action towards a ban.”

The consultation will run until Tuesday, 18 July and, once confirmed, will be implemented under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.