East Riding residents who keep primates are being urged to obtain a licence under new legislation.
The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) England Regulations 2024, effective from April 2025, require anyone keeping a primate in England — except zoos — to be licensed by their local authority.
It will be an offence to keep a primate after 6 April without a licence. The rules ensure primates have suitable environments, diets, and enclosures, and can exhibit normal behaviours.
Cllr Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: ‘These regulations are vital for animal welfare, and we urge any residents in the East Riding who own primates to get in touch with the licensing team as soon as possible. Together we can safeguard animal wellbeing across our region.’
