People in Stone who keep primates as pets will need a licence from Monday 6 April 2026, under new Government rules aimed at improving welfare standards for animals such as monkeys and lemurs.
The change applies across Stafford Borough, with Stafford Borough Council urging anyone who already keeps a primate in a domestic setting to come forward before the new rules take effect.
According to the RSPCA, around 5,000 primates are being kept in domestic settings across the UK.
New rules come into force in April
From Monday 6 April 2026, anyone who wants to keep a primate as a pet will need a licence from their local council.
The new regulations are intended to make sure primates are kept in appropriate conditions and receive the level of care they need. The rules apply to animals including marmosets, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys.
Stafford Borough Council says it has already written to vets across the area, asking them to help make owners aware of the changes.
What local keepers need to do
Anyone in Stone or elsewhere in Stafford Borough who already keeps a primate is being encouraged to apply now.
Before a licence can be granted, the premises would need to be inspected by a vet and a qualified officer. If approved, the licence would last for three years.
The council is pointing people to its primate keeper licence information online for details of how to apply and what standards need to be met.
Failing to get a licence could be an offence
Once the rules come into force, keeping a primate without a licence will be an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The council warns that breaches could lead to prosecution, and in serious cases a prison sentence.
Anyone with concerns about primates currently being kept in the borough can email EHanimalwelfare@staffordbc.gov.uk.
For Stone readers, this is one of those niche rule changes that may not affect many households directly, but it could matter for anyone locally keeping unusual pets or aware of primates being kept in a home setting.
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