Leading Primate Charity Disappointed by EFRA Recommendations, Whilst Primates Continue to Suffer

Following an inquiry earlier this year, the EFRA Select Committee today publish a report into whether primates should be kept as pets and whether a ban should be implemented.  Wild Futures gave written and oral evidence at the hearing in parliament and, along with the RSPCA, and many other welfare and veterinary organisations, called for a ban.

Wild Futures welcomes the admission by the Select Committee that the status quo is not acceptable and that they could support a ban in principle. However, the Committee go on to say that the ban is not an option until a range of other recommendations have been considered. Wild Futures believes that each delay in passing legislation banning the trade and keeping of primates simply prolongs the suffering of individuals kept in unsuitable environments.

The Select Committee recommends that further research is necessary to establish how many primates are kept privately in UK homes. Wild Futures argues that the exact numbers are not relevant, as the principle of protection from suffering, for individual animals, is already enshrined in the Animal Welfare Act. Whether there are 5 or 5,000 primates in private ownership, individuals still suffer.

Wild Futures believes that this is a distraction from the real problem. The main question should be whether primates can and should be kept as pets. In preparing evidence for Wild Futures, primatologist, Brooke Aldrich, stated that “There is plenty of evidence that primates suffer when kept as pets.  On the other hand, we have seen no evidence that they can thrive.” (Nor does it appear that the EFRA committee was presented with any such evidence).

In addition, Wild Futures agrees with Lord de Mauley, of DEFRA, who was doubtful that it would be good use of resources to carry out a detailed survey on the scale of the pet trade.

Regarding the registration of primates currently kept, which has been recommended to help research the numbers of primates in the UK pet trade, Wild Futures is concerned that this will not be practical, may require further legislation and will be very costly.

The only primate charity in the UK, that draws on 50 years of experience of these issues, Wild Futures believes that most of the recommended changes to the current regulatory framework would not be putting resources to good use and avoid the main issue, which is that primates are inherently unsuitable as pets.

Wild Futures is concerned about the report defining pets “as keeping these animals alone” as even multiple primates may be in inappropriate conditions. The charity does agree that there is no justification for keeping primates, “primarily for the purpose of companionship or personal interest.”

The charity also welcomes the Committee’s recommendations that the Government review the Pet Animal’s Act and issue long awaited guidance on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. Both actions will be of benefit to other (non-primate) species in the pet trade.

Bans have already been successfully implemented elsewhere such as in the Netherlands, Norway, Australia and in various US states such as Massachusetts.

Rachel Hevesi, Director of Wild Futures says: “We are happy that the possibility of a ban has not been ruled out, but we believe that the recommendations are expensive in time and resources. A ban, as proved in other countries, is much less costly in terms of welfare and finances.”

Wild Futures will be continuing to campaign for a ban on the keeping of primates as pets. In 2015 the government will be reviewing the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates. Wild Futures will submit evidence proving that the Code is not sufficient to ensure primate welfare, even when a primate pet owner has been issued a licence.

Rachel Hevesi added: “We are failing these highly intelligent, complex animals on so many levels.  We know all too well the damage the trade causes and it is for these reasons that we are calling for an entire ban. We welcome the Committee’s call for more education, but at times the law must take the lead and set the example. The suffering must end.”

Anyone looking to support the ban on the keeping of primates as pets is invited to visit our website at www.wildfutures.org/justiceforjoey/  or to email [email protected] for more information.

You can read Wild Futures’ full written evidence which was submitted prior to the oral evidence in January, at: http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/WrittenEvidence.svc/EvidenceHtml/4964

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Notes to Editors:

 Release date: 10th June 2014

About Wild Futures

Wild Futures (Charity reg. No. 1102532) is an educational and environmental charity promoting the welfare and conservation of primates, and working to end the abuse of primates in captivity. Its flagship project, The Monkey Sanctuary, in Cornwall, is home to victims of the primate pet trade. The Monkey Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and is a founder member of EARS (European Alliance of Rescue Centres and Sanctuaries).  Wild Futures is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014.  Drawing on its 50 years of primate expertise, Wild Futures acts as an advisory body to sanctuaries and conservation organisations in the UK and overseas and advises DEFRA on UK animal welfare legislation.

The EFRA Select Committee is a committee of MPs appointed by the House of Commons to examine the administration and policy of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  The EFRA Committee is one of the 19 Select Committees related to Government Departments, established by the House of Commons under Standing Order No. 152.

 

Monkey Sanctuary opening times

Telephone: 0844 272 1271

Web: www.monkeysanctuary.org

Opening Times:

The Monkey Sanctuary is open from 1st April to 2nd November 2014, every day except Fridays.  Open from 11am-4.30pm, last admissions 4pm.  Tickets are available at a 10% discount online and at Wild Futures’ MountEdgcumbe shop.

Check the website for more information: www.monkeysanctuary.org.

For more information contact:

Cordelia Britton, Campaigns officer

[email protected]

www.wildfutures.org

+44 (0) 844 272 1271