‘We urge any residents in the East Riding who own primates to get in touch’
The Common Squirrel Monkey (Image: Getty)
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is urging residents who own primates to ensure they obtain a license in line with new legislation. The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) England Regulations 2024 came into effect in April 2025.
The council said that these regulations now require people who keep a primate in England, except zoos or those kept under a ASPA licence, to hold a primate licence granted by their local authority. The regulations require anyone keeping primates to be licenced by the April 6 2026.
The licensing system has been introduced to ensure the welfare needs of any primates are met. Primates must be provided a suitable environment and diet, the ability to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, housed in a suitable enclosure and be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
As a result, East Riding of Yorkshire Council are encouraging anyone who keeps primates in the East Riding to urgently get in contact with the licensing team. Dependent on the species of primate and the activities they are involved in, the keeper may additionally need a dangerous wild animals licence.
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection said “These regulations are vital for animal welfare, and we urge any residents in the East Riding who own primates to get in touch with the licensing team as soon as possible. Together we can safeguard animal wellbeing across our region.”
Any keepers of a primate and anyone with information on the location of a primate in the East Riding can contact the licensing team at licensing@eastriding.gov.uk. Further information can also be found at Licensing process for keeping primates – GOV.UK and Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1) – GOV.UK
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