Calls for changes in pet trade law
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Dorset Rescue centre Monkey World is at “bursting point” dealing with rescued primates, and is now calling for changes in the pet trade law.
The issue was discussed in Parliament this week after a petition was presented to Downing Street by the director of the Purbeck attraction Alison Cronin, alongside South Dorset MP Richard Drax who called the adjournment debate.
The ‘Welfare for Wildlife’ petition, which seeks to improve regulation of pet ownership, has garnered 110,000 signatures, and is backed by musician Peter Gabriel.
In a statement, Monkey World said it has rescued 106 primates from private homes, more than half of which were within the past five years.
“Modifying existing laws will also protect well-meaning animal owners,” conservation experts at the international primate rescue centre said.
“With the Dorset rescue centre already at bursting point with victims of the pet trade, the change cannot come soon enough.”
UK law currently allows more than 66 species of monkey to be kept as pets without the need to register or acquire a licence.
Dorset Rescue centre Monkey World is at “bursting point” dealing with rescued primates, and is now calling for changes in the pet trade law.
According to Monkey World these primates, which include all species of tamarin, squirrel monkey and marmosets, can be bought as easily as goldfish, often by well-meaning animal lovers from unscrupulous breeders.
Dr Cronin said: “Every week, Monkey World is contacted to rescue more victims of the legal trade in monkeys as ‘pets’ in the UK.
“For a nation of animal lovers, this uncontrolled trade is causing suffering for both animals and people. The current laws need to change.”
Due to the unregulated trade, social media sales are rife and primates are not the only victims, as scams are on the rise.
Some scammers posing online as breeders have sold the same monkey several times for huge sums, up to £1700 in some cases.
Many others claim to need deposits for vet checks and transport, with no monkey forthcoming after the unsuspecting buyer parts with their money.
Not knowing the specialist diets, social needs and appropriate environments these primates require, owners are unwittingly neglecting the monkeys.
Some animals rescued by Monkey World have been found suffering from rickets or with aggression and mobility issues, often from being kept alone in unsuitable pens such as bird cages.
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