2004 press releases

Local MP Takes Fight For Caged Monkeys To Number 10

Lewes MP and Lib Dem Spokesman on Animal Welfare, Norman Baker has taken the cause to the Prime Minister by presenting a petition to Number 10, Downing Street calling for an end to the UK trade in primates as pets. Over 1,500 monkeys and other primates are kept as pets in this country, many in grossly inadequate conditions by owners who are unaware of their pets very particular needs. Norman presented the petition last Wednesday, accompanied by organisers of the petition from the Monkey Sanctuary Trust in Cornwall and their local Lib Dem MP, Colin Breed.

Speaking after his visit, Norman comments:

"I have visited The Monkey Sanctuary Trust and witnessed the excellent work they do in caring for those primates that are rescued from private owners who cannot adequately care for them. When they asked me whether I could help I was delighted to arrange a visit to Downing Street so that they could hand in this petition themselves directly to the Prime Minister's residence.

"I am concerned that people in this country are allowed to keep monkeys and other primates as pets. Whilst breeders maintain that their primates receive the highest level of care and owners may believe that they are extending every care towards their animal the simple fact is that these creatures are not suitable as pets. Primates have needs which simply cannot be met by a life in captivity and inevitably they suffer both mentally and physically. They are moreover wild animals which are potentially dangerous and can also pose a threat to human health.

"This petition calls for an end to the primate trade in the UK which continues to allow people to keep them as pets. The Government must now act to introduce legislation which outlaws this as part of their long-awaited Animal Welfare Bill."

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