UK Government Finally Bans Primates as Pets
It is currently estimated that around 5,000 primates are being kept as pets in the UK. As our closest living relatives, primates are very human-like and emotionally complex, so it’s no wonder many are tempted to keep them as pets. However, removing primates from their natural habitat is the equivalent of a lifetime sentence of suffering and psychological damage.
Pet primates are ripped away from their mother at only a couple of days old. This causes psychological trauma for both baby and mum. The baby is then given an inanimate object to serve as a surrogate mother, which causes abnormal stress behaviours such as rocking, self-grasping, and digit sucking.
The nature of a primate cannot be changed by their environment. They will still have the same natural instincts which commonly manifests as aggression towards their owner, kids, and other pets. Aggression will occur particularly after sexual maturity.
Humans are not equipped to deal with the specialised needs of primates. Regardless of the amount of love and care, anyone who owns a pet primate is causing psychological damage to the animal. During their childhood years, primates need 24/7 care — similar to constantly having a screaming toddler around. In order to combat unpredictable behaviour, many owners resort to confinement, beating, shocking and the removal of teeth and nails. Many pet primates also become diabetic due to improper diet.
In May 2023, the UK Government decided to scrap the Kept Animals Bill, which would have protected primates from the pet trade, as well as protecting other animals from being kept in inhumane conditions.
The UK Government is now promising that they will ban keeping primates without a zoo licence from 2026. However, this does not ban the selling or trading of primates which brings to light some issues related to the new policy. There are also concerns over the future for primates already being kept as pets. Sanctuaries may not be able to cope with the number of primates in need of rescue, which means euthanasia might be the only option for some.
Exotic animals do not make appropriate pets. If you know of anyone with a pet primate at home, or are concerned about animal welfare, there are many places you can contact including the RSPCA, sanctuaries such as Wild Futures, or any of your local wildlife rescues.
