Residents will need a licence from April if they want to keep a primate as a pet.

The RSPCA estimate that in the UK around 5,000 primates - such as monkeys and lemurs - are kept in domestic settings.

Government legislation comes into force from 6 April requiring people to have a licence from their local council if they want to keep such animals as pets.

Stafford Borough Council has already written to vets across the area asking them to make any customers who do keep primates aware of the need to contact their local authority.

The new regulations are aimed at ensuring residents provide the highest welfare standards if keeping primates. Not holding a licence will be an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and could lead to a prison term.

You can find out more from Primate Keeper Licences | Stafford Borough Council

An inspection of the premises will be carried out by a vet and qualified officer before a licence can be granted - and this would be valid for three years.

The council is encouraging people to apply now if they do have a pet primate before the regulations come into force in a few weeks’ time. The list of pets includes marmosets, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys.

Anyone with concerns about primates currently being kept in the borough should email EHanimalwelfare@staffordbc.gov.uk 

Press Release No 6273