The keeping of primates as pets currently stands as this:

Defra's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates came into force in 2010. The Code is a guide to the steps that must be taken by primate keepers in order to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWAA) 1976, owners of most primate species must obtain a licence from their local authority.

However, non-compliance with the DWAA is rife, and there is little awareness or consideration of The Code on the part of the keepers or the relevant authorities. Subsequently, the situation is a mess, with monkeys suffering in inappropriate environments all around the UK.

Most of the monkeys that do get rescued suffer either physically or mentally as a result of their previous lives. Several monkeys suffer from diabetes as a result of being fed inappropriate diets as pets, and who require special care and daily medication. Whilst other monkeys display signs of psychological damage such as constant clapping, head rocking and even self-harming.