Primates

If you own or plan to own a primate, you must obtain a licence from Oldham Council. This is a requirement under The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024.

Any individual who keeps or is proposing to keep a primate must apply for a licence by 6th April 2026. This includes but is not limited to, any species of monkey, ape, lemur, loris or tarsier.

The licence is valid for 3 years.

How to apply

Contact us for a general discussion about your requirements by e-mailing animal.health@oldham.gov.uk and we will be in touch to discuss this further.

If we are satisfied that you have the relevant documentation to apply for a licence we will let you know what the next steps will be, how to apply and detail the relevant fees.

Once we receive your application, we will send you a list of the required records and policies you will need to have and maintain.

If a primate you keep is listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, you will need to obtain a dangerous wild animals licence and a primate licence.

If you keep a primate without a licence you will be committing an offence and liable to summary conviction, a fine or both.