No, owning a monkey in Ireland is illegal under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which prohibit the private possession of wild animals without a license. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage enforces these restrictions, and non-compliance may result in fines up to €5,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Ireland
- Wildlife Act 1976: Prohibits the keeping of wild animals, including primates, without a license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
- Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013: Mandates that all animal owners must ensure welfare standards; private monkey ownership typically fails these requirements.
- EU Wildlife Trade Regulations: Ireland aligns with EU restrictions, banning the import and trade of primates for private ownership, effective under the 2026 EU Action Plan for Animal Welfare.
Exemptions are rare and require proof of conservation or scientific purposes, with permits issued only under stringent NPWS review. Local authorities may also impose additional bylaws.