'Cruel' pet monkeys beloved by celebrities could be banned in England under new Government plans
Monkeys, apes and other primates could be banned as pets in England under new Government proposals. Up to 5,000 primates are believed to be kept as pets in the UK outside of licensed zoos, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said. The group of wild mammals, which include lemurs, monkeys and apes, are highly intelligent, require open spaces, varied diets, warmth and social contact. A recent call for evidence by the Government found their complex needs cannot be met in a home environment. Many celebrities have famously kept exotic pets such as primates as pets. Ju...