No, owning a monkey in the UK is prohibited under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 and the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, with no exemptions for private ownership. The 2026 UK Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill further tightens restrictions, banning primate ownership entirely unless licensed for conservation or scientific purposes.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in United Kingdom
- Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976: Requires a license from local authorities for keeping non-domestic animals, including primates, with stringent welfare and security conditions.
- Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018: Mandates that private ownership of monkeys is illegal unless part of a licensed activity (e.g., zoo, sanctuary).
- UK Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill (2026): Proposes a blanket ban on primate ownership, aligning with the government’s commitment to phase out private exotic pet trade by 2026.
Local authorities, such as the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and local council environmental health departments, enforce these regulations. Violations may result in prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, with penalties including fines up to £20,000 and imprisonment. Exemptions exist solely for licensed zoos, research facilities, or conservation programs, subject to rigorous inspection by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and other accredited bodies.