Draft guidelines for private primate care welcomed

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 13:03

Last week the Scottish Government released for consultation its “Draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates”.  This is a welcome step.  The number of privately kept primates in Scotland is estimated to be around 200, but the welfare of each of these primates – such as marmosets or macaques – is vitally important.

 

Primates are wild, undomesticated animals that have complex physical, behavioural and social requirements.  It is very unlikely that privately kept primates will have their needs appropriately met in artificial environments.  It is for this reason Advocates for Animals, whilst recognising the improvements in welfare contained within the Code of Practice, continues to call for a ban on keeping non-human primates as pets.