TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow has joined the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and a range of other welfare organisations in calling for a ban on the sale of primates as domestic pets.

Fifteen European countries have already introduced bans on keeping primates as pets, for either all or some species. An estimated 5,000 primates are currently believed to be confined in unsuitable conditions in UK homes. These highly intelligent mammals have been shown to disproportionally suffer in domestic environments, causing unnecessary suffering for both the animals and owners.

Public support also remains high for a total ban, with a recent YouGov survey finding that 75 per cent of the public would favour such a policy.

Ms Pow said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations in bringing an end to the sale of primates as pets. I encourage all constituents to think again if they are considering purchasing such an animal as a pet, and I call on the Government to introduce legislation for a complete ban on the trade of primates.”

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “Thousands of primates are confined in unsuitable conditions in the UK, causing unnecessary suffering for both the animals involved and their owners for when they outgrow their surroundings.

“Fifteen European countries have already introduced bans on keeping primates as pets, for either all or some species. We now call on the Government to follow and introduce a complete ban on the keeping and trade of primates as pets.”