Menu
08/06/2005
Government announces public review on primate pets
Members of the public will be invited to have their say on keeping monkeys and other primates as pets, in a public consultation on the issue.
Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight is expected to announce the consultation at the launch of an International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The IFAW report found that as many as 1,500 to 3,000 primates were being kept as pets in the UK, although the actual figure is unknown. The charity said that monkeys were unsuitable pets and were likely to suffer distress in ways similar to humans. It was “morally unjustifiable” to own such animals as pets, IFAW said.
The Minister said that government did not believe that primates were suitable for the general pet trade – currently, the import of primates is limited to specialist keepers, who must demosntrate that they are well equipped and experienced enough to care for the animals.
However, IFAW said that anyone could potentially purchase a monkey as a pet, by logging onto the Internet, looking through classified ads in specialist magazines or inquiring in pet shops.
Mr Knight said: “It is important that we have a sound evidence base as we formulate future policy on keeping monkeys and other primates as pets under European law and the IFAW report will make a valuable contribution to the dialogue as we review and develop our policy on this issue.”
However, the European regulations can only be applied for conservation purposes and could not be used to address animal health or welfare.
The minister said that the proposed Animal Welfare Bill, which was mentioned during the Queen’s speech at the opening of Parliament, would place a duty of care on all animal keepers and include new powers to introduce further regulations for animal welfare reasons.
Mr Knight said that Bill would “set the framework for the law of governing pets for many years to come”. He said: “The extended duty to promote animal welfare will mean all domestic or captive animals must be cared for in accordance with best animal management practices.”
(KMcA/SP)
Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight is expected to announce the consultation at the launch of an International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The IFAW report found that as many as 1,500 to 3,000 primates were being kept as pets in the UK, although the actual figure is unknown. The charity said that monkeys were unsuitable pets and were likely to suffer distress in ways similar to humans. It was “morally unjustifiable” to own such animals as pets, IFAW said.
The Minister said that government did not believe that primates were suitable for the general pet trade – currently, the import of primates is limited to specialist keepers, who must demosntrate that they are well equipped and experienced enough to care for the animals.
However, IFAW said that anyone could potentially purchase a monkey as a pet, by logging onto the Internet, looking through classified ads in specialist magazines or inquiring in pet shops.
Mr Knight said: “It is important that we have a sound evidence base as we formulate future policy on keeping monkeys and other primates as pets under European law and the IFAW report will make a valuable contribution to the dialogue as we review and develop our policy on this issue.”
However, the European regulations can only be applied for conservation purposes and could not be used to address animal health or welfare.
The minister said that the proposed Animal Welfare Bill, which was mentioned during the Queen’s speech at the opening of Parliament, would place a duty of care on all animal keepers and include new powers to introduce further regulations for animal welfare reasons.
Mr Knight said that Bill would “set the framework for the law of governing pets for many years to come”. He said: “The extended duty to promote animal welfare will mean all domestic or captive animals must be cared for in accordance with best animal management practices.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2008
Rent-A-Dog Scheme Not To Be Barked At
The introduction of a new service that allows busy people to own part-time pets has been slammed by animal welfare organisations. Flexpetz, an American company, allows dog lovers to 'borrow' a pet once a week at a cost of £279 a month.
Rent-A-Dog Scheme Not To Be Barked At
The introduction of a new service that allows busy people to own part-time pets has been slammed by animal welfare organisations. Flexpetz, an American company, allows dog lovers to 'borrow' a pet once a week at a cost of £279 a month.
04 April 2007
Animal welfare act to come into force
People are to be made legally liable for the basic welfare of their pets under new legislation which comes into force in England on Friday. The Animal Welfare Act introduces a duty of care for pet owners to do all that is reasonable to ensure the welfare of their animals.
Animal welfare act to come into force
People are to be made legally liable for the basic welfare of their pets under new legislation which comes into force in England on Friday. The Animal Welfare Act introduces a duty of care for pet owners to do all that is reasonable to ensure the welfare of their animals.
14 October 2005
Animal welfare bill published
New measures to protect animals from cruel treatment have been published by the government. The Animal Welfare Bill, the first overhaul of such legislation for nearly a century, will see the introduction of tougher penalties for animal cruelty.
Animal welfare bill published
New measures to protect animals from cruel treatment have been published by the government. The Animal Welfare Bill, the first overhaul of such legislation for nearly a century, will see the introduction of tougher penalties for animal cruelty.
20 May 2011
Agri College Aids Pet Care Retailer
Every employee of national retailer Pets at Home can now work towards a higher education qualification thanks to a new partnership with Harper Adams University College.
Agri College Aids Pet Care Retailer
Every employee of national retailer Pets at Home can now work towards a higher education qualification thanks to a new partnership with Harper Adams University College.
22 June 2015
Man Jailed For Smuggling Heroin In Cat Transportation Crates
A man caught smuggling heroin inside pet transportation crates has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). 43-year-old Scott Parker, a London-born dual national living in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, was arrested at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre on Friday 21 November 2014.
Man Jailed For Smuggling Heroin In Cat Transportation Crates
A man caught smuggling heroin inside pet transportation crates has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). 43-year-old Scott Parker, a London-born dual national living in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, was arrested at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre on Friday 21 November 2014.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
