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RSPCA calls for ‘urgent’ monkey law clarity
Many monkey owners will be unable to keep their animals from 6 April 2026.
It calls for safeguards to prevent animals being abandoned.

The RSPCA has urged the UK government to provide clarity on upcoming regulations on the keeping of pet monkeys.

The plea comes one year before new legislation comes into force, which is expected to significantly reduce the number of monkeys being kept as pets.

The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2023 was signed into law in March 2024. It is due to come into force on 6 April 2026.

Under the new licensing scheme, keepers of monkeys will have to meet new welfare and licensing standards to keep their animal. Monkeys will need to be kept to zoo-level standards, with conditions enforced by local authorities.

Welfare experts state that these conditions are practically impossible within a home environment, with the law essentially banning the keeping of monkeys as pets. Existing owners will not be exempt from the strict criteria.

However the RSPCA fears that, without proper safeguarding, there will not be appropriate measures in place for pet monkeys legally unable to stay with their owners. The charity says this could lead to monkeys being ‘abandoned, dumped and turfed out onto the streets’.

The RSPCA says that there is a lack of data on pet monkeys, however estimates suggest approximately 5,000 monkeys are being kept as pets across the UK. It is calling for the UK government to produce a ‘roadmap’, describing how new regulations will be implemented.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: "Sadly, our frontline officers have seen the impact of pet primates living in houses, being fed inappropriate diets and experiencing a poor and unacceptable quality of life.
 
"But with thousands of pet monkeys estimated to be being kept across England, we need clear direction now from the UK government about how these new regulations will be implemented, what provisions will be made for monkeys needing to leave inappropriate homes, and how local authorities will be supported to enforce the rules."

Ros Clubb, head of wildlife at the RSPCA, added: "There's a real risk that without a clear roadmap, monkeys could end up suffering illegally behind closed doors, or face being abandoned, dumped and turfed out onto the streets.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.