Residents in Amber Valley are being urged to check the law if they keep or are considering keeping a primate, as new national licensing rules come into force this April.
From 6 April 2026, it will be illegal to keep a primate as a pet in England without a specialist licence from the relevant local authority, with Amber Valley Borough Council responsible for issuing licences within the borough.
The change follows legislation introduced by the UK Government to strengthen animal welfare standards. Primates are highly intelligent and socially complex animals whose needs cannot be met in typical domestic settings.
Under the new framework, anyone wishing to keep a primate must obtain a licence and demonstrate that the animal will be housed in facilities that meet strict welfare standards comparable to those required for licensed zoos.
The rules apply to all non-human primates, including species such as marmosets, tamarins, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, macaques and lemurs.
Amber Valley Borough Council is encouraging anyone who currently keeps a primate, or is considering doing so, to contact the Council as soon as possible to understand what will be required ahead of the April deadline.
Failure to obtain a licence by 6 April 2026 may result in enforcement action.
Councillor Elaine Sherman, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Community Safety at Amber Valley Borough Council, said:
“Primates are intelligent and socially complex animals, and their welfare needs are significant. These new legal requirements are designed to ensure that any primates kept in England are cared for in environments that properly meet those needs.
“The Council is not aware of significant numbers of primates being kept within the borough, but we are keen to ensure that anyone affected understands the new legal requirements.
“I would urge anyone in Amber Valley who currently keeps a primate, or is thinking about it, to contact the Council to seek advice well ahead of the 6 April 2026 deadline.”
Residents are encouraged to seek advice as early as possible to avoid breaching the new legislation.
For advice about primate licensing, residents can contact Amber Valley Borough Council on 01773 841339 or email env.admin@ambervalley.gov.uk. Further details about the national legislation are available at www.gov.uk.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
