6 Conclusion
85. Our inquiry set out to examine the issues around
the keeping of primates as pets in the UK and whether or not a
ban should be introduced. We found significant scope for improvement
in some of the key elements of the regulatory framework governing
the welfare of pet primates and the way in which it is being applied.
Regulatory gaps and high levels of non-compliance also make it
very difficult to produce reliable estimates of the extent of
the trade and keeping of primates as pets in the UK.
86. Whilst some witnesses have argued that further
research is unlikely to be a good use of resources, they accept
that existing estimates are unreliable and use the evidence that
they do have to justify very different positions. The Government,
the pet industry and private keepers associations tend to argue
that that the existing regulatory framework adequately protects
the welfare of privately kept primates. Conversely, animal welfare
organisations, animal sanctuaries and the veterinary profession
tend to argue that a ban on the private keeping and trading of
pet primates is the only acceptable solution.
87. Before key decisions are made about further regulatory
change or the adoption of a ban on the keeping and trading of
pet primates, additional research is needed to ensure that such
decisions are based on sound evidence. In the meantime, we have
recommended some more minor changes that the Government might
wish to make and which should be possible without recourse to
primary legislation.
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