Don’t monkey around - ensure you have correct licence if you own a primate
Last updated: 10/2/2026
Primate owners in Rushcliffe are being reminded they have just weeks left to ensure they have submitted applications for a licence required to own their animals.
Residents who own any breed of the species need to obtain the licence by April 6 from Rushcliffe Borough Council in line with national Animal Welfare regulations introduced last year.
Residents can apply for the licence at https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/environmental-health/licensing/animals/primate-licensing/
Owners can find out more at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/296/contents/made after the new rules were brought into effect which set a time frame of 12 months to complete the necessary steps for proper primate ownership.
The law requires the keeper of any primate to abide by a number of conditions which guarantee the welfare of the animals in their possession. The full details can be found on the Government website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/licence-conditions-for-primate-keepers-schedule-1#environment
A primate is an animal of any species other than human beings that belong to the primate order of mammals, including but not limited to:
- Chimpanzees
- Marmosets
- Tamarins
- Squirrel Monkeys
- Spider Monkeys
- Capuchin Monkeys
- Lemurs
- Lorisidae also known as bush babies
When completing the application form, residents are also advised to check that their primates do not also require a Dangerous Wild Animal licence available at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/2465/contents/made