19/03/2026: New primate licensing comes into effect from next week

Breckland Council is calling on residents to familiarise themselves with new legal requirements concerning the keeping of primates in England. Following recent legislation introduced by the UK Government, it will become illegal to keep primates as pets without a valid licence after 6 April 2026. 

This change is part of the Government's commitment to safeguarding animal welfare, ensuring that primates, known for their high intelligence and social nature, are kept only in environments that cater to their intricate needs. 

Under the updated regulations, individuals may only keep primates if they obtain a specialist licence from their local authority. The licensing scheme covers all non-human primates, such as marmosets, tamarins, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, macaques, lemurs, orangutans and chimpanzees. The full list can be found on the gov.uk website. These species must now be housed in facilities adhering to stringent welfare standards comparable to those found in licensed zoos. 

Local residents who currently keep primates or are contemplating doing so must reach out to the Breckland Council Licensing Team for guidance and to initiate the licensing process. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions. 

Cllr Helen Crane, Executive Member for Waste, Environmental Health, Licensing and Sustainability, said: "Primates are highly intelligent and socially complex animals, and 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 and where necessary apply for a licence." 

For further information, please visitPrimate Licensing