MIKE HEDGES CALLS FOR BAN ON PEOPLE KEEPING PRIMATES
Speaking after the Senedd Business Questions, local Swansea East Senedd Member, Mike Hedges said…. ‘ This is not the first time and sadly, will not be the last time that I have to ask for a Ban on people keeping Primates as pets. Animals should live in their natural habitats and for a variety of animals, that clearly does not mean in a cage in a house or flat in Wales. Animals kept in such conditions often suffer physical and mental torment and it is awful to hear of the case of the Marmoset I highlighted in the Chamber.
It is very regrettable that the UK Government has opted not to continue with its Animal Welfare Bill which would have addressed some of these concerns. I will continue to lobby for a ban on keeping of primates as pets; I am sure a ban on keeping them as pets will be achieved even if it may take a change of Government in Westminster to achieve it.
I'm seeking two statements from the Welsh Government. The first is on the keeping of primates by individuals, which I am very keen to see banned in Wales. Last week, we had a marmoset found screaming and unable to walk after her owners failed to look after her properly. When the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took the marmoset to the vet, it was discovered that she had severe metabolic bone disease and the white-faced marmoset had to be put down. 106
Thank you. As the Member will be aware, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on anyone responsible for any animal to ensure its welfare. We don't know the number of primates that are being kept here in Wales and, as the Member knows, I worked very closely with the UK Government around the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. I was very sorry that it was decided not to progress that by the UK Government, and this is work that we will continue to have a look at with officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to see what we can do to make sure that this piece of legislation does go forward. I should remind everyone that no person may keep any dangerous wild animal, and that absolutely includes many primates, without first obtaining a licence from their local authority. 108
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