BVA supports the government's decision to introduce a compulsory primate register.

The BVA has welcomed MPs' recommendations to introduce a compulsory register for all primates that are kept as pets in England, but they continue to call upon the Government for the introduction of a ban.

 

Earlier this year, the Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee called upon the BVA for evidence on the issue of keeping primates as pets, to support their inquiry. 

 

After consideration, the BVA recommended a ban to prevent primates from being kept in any domestic environment in the UK, with the exception of individuals working in partnership with accredited zoos to breed primates for conservation purposes.

 

The Efra Committee today (June 10) called for urgent action to establish how many primates are being kept in the UK. Committee chair Anne McIntosh said: "We were surprised to find that so little is known about the types and numbers of primates being kept or traded by private individuals in the UK and about the manner in which they are being kept.

"It is paramount the Government acts promptly to address this ‘evidence deficit’."

 

Launching the committee's latest report Primates as Pets, Miss McIntosh called on Defra to commission independent research to determine the extent of the problem and to report back to the committee with a plan of action within six months of receiving the results.

In its report, the committee states that although a future ban is still possible to address the welfare problems associated with primate ownership, it recommends registration of primates as an initial step.

 

The report states: “While we support the adoption of a ban in principle, this is a draconian step that must be based on solid evidence and only after attempts to improve the operation and implementation of the existing regulatory framework have been exhausted.”

 

Ten arguments were listed in favour of a ban, which included recognition that “a domestic environment is incompatible with their complex social, behavioural, environmental and dietary needs”, and that “most people lack the expert knowledge required to care properly for primates”.

 

BVA president Robin Hargreaves said: “It’s encouraging that the committee has recognised the benefits of a ban in principle. Registration could provide a valuable first step in helping to identify exactly how many pet primates are kept in England and under what conditions.”

 

Other proposals stated in the report were welcomed by the BVA, such as a review of the Pet Animals Act 1951. The current act was drafted at a time before internet sales were possible, and when there was less interest in primate keeping and animal breeding. MPs have called for the government to “ensure that legislation governing is fit for the internet age”.

 

The Efra committee also recognises that codes of practice need to be species specific to be effective, and recommends that experts are employed by local authorities to ensure that any primates currently kept are cared for to a level equivalent with accredited zoo standards.

 

To read Efra’s Eleventh Committee Primates as Pets report, click here.