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<p>There is no doubt that primates are complex creatures requiring specialist care.
I recently met with the owner of a leading specialist primate rescue centre who informed
me about the rising numbers they are having to take from private care. Given these
issues I am looking at the options for banning the trade altogether.</p><p>In the
meantime, we have strict laws in place restricting the keeping of primates and action
can be taken if a primate is being kept in poor welfare conditions. Under the Animal
Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to an animal
or to fail to provide for its welfare.</p><p>The 2006 Act is backed up by the statutory
Code of Practice for the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-human Primates that provides
essential information for any primate keeper on how to meet the welfare needs of the
primates in their care. The Code is made under the 2006 Act and can be used as evidence
in court in support of a prosecution made under the 2006 Act.</p><p>If anyone has
any concerns about the way a primate is being kept they should report to the relevant
local authority, who have powers to investigate such issues, or to the RSPCA who can
also investigate and take action.</p><p>In addition to the animal welfare controls,
the keeping of most primates requires a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act
1976 (DWAA), which is issued by a local authority. The DWAA licence is primarily to
ensure public safety is protected.</p><p>The trade of primates is regulated through
a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) licensing system.
Under this system, the international, commercial trade of the most endangered primates
is prohibited, except under exceptional circumstances. Whilst it is not in itself
a welfare measure, CITES does contain welfare provisions for the transport, keeping
and moving of animals, including primates.</p>
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