Hertsmere Borough Council is urging residents to be aware of new legal requirements surrounding the keeping of primates in England. Following recent legislation introduced by the UK Government, it will be illegal to keep primates as pets without a valid licence after 6 April 2026.
This change delivers on the government’s commitment to protect animal welfare and ensure that primates—highly intelligent and social animals—are kept only in environments that meet their complex needs.
Under the new framework, individuals may only keep primates under a specialist licence issued by their local authority. The statutory guidance on the licensing process is available on the gov.uk website.
The licensing scheme applies to all non-human primates, including but not limited to marmosets, tamarins, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, macaques, and lemurs. These species must now be housed in facilities that meet strict welfare standards equivalent to those found in licensed zoos.
Local residents who currently keep primates or are considering doing so must contact Hertsmere Borough Council for advice and to begin the licensing process. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.
Cllr Paul Richards, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability, Net Zero & Public Health said:
Primates are highly intelligent and socially complex animals, and they simply cannot thrive in typical domestic settings. This new licensing framework ensures that any primates kept in England are housed in environments that meet strict welfare standards. I encourage anyone who currently keeps a primate, or is considering doing so, to contact us directly to understand what’s required under the new law.”
Further information is available on our website Licensing of Primates - Hertsmere Borough Council
Or email: animal.licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk