New licensing requirements for keeping primates

Ashford 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 Government, it is now illegal to keep primates as pets without a valid licence as of 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 GOV.UK.

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.

Residents who currently keep primates or are considering doing so must contact the council for advice and to begin the licensing process. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

Cllr Katrina Giles, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Health at Ashford Borough Council, said: “Primates are exceptionally intelligent and have complex social lives, making them unsuitable for ordinary domestic environments. The new licensing system guarantees that any primates kept in England will live in conditions that uphold strict welfare standards.

“If you currently own a primate or are thinking about it, please get in touch with our licensing team directly so you can learn what is required under the updated law.”

For more information and to submit an application form, visit our dedicated primate licensing web page.