Richard MaddenEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
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East Riding of Yorkshire Council has urged primate owners to apply for a licence before a rule change in April
A council has urged anyone keeping monkeys and primates as pets to get a licence before new rules are introduced across England.
The licensing system has been introduced to ensure the animals are properly cared for and that owners meet legal requirements, East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) said.
The authority said it was only aware of two properties in the area that required the paperwork but asked for other owners to come forward.
Government legislation states it will be illegal to keep monkeys, lemurs, and other primates in England without a licence from 6 April.
Anyone who owns a primate without the appropriate licence could face six months in jail, an unlimited fine, or both. The rules only affect private owners.
Licensing fees have not been decided but ERYC said they would likely range between £280 and £630.
Licences would last up to three years, the authority added.
‘Vital for animal welfare’
The authority said an inspection would be conducted by a licensing officer and a suitable, qualified person such as a vet or experienced zoo keeper as part of the application process.
Owners of chimpanzees, baboons, gorillas and certain species will also need to apply for a dangerous wild animal licence costing £430.
Councillor Lyn Healing, cabinet member for communities and public protection said: “These regulations are vital for animal welfare, and we urge any residents who own primates to get in touch with the licensing team as soon as possible.
“Together we can safeguard animal wellbeing across our region.”