New licensing rules for the keeping of primates as pets will be among the items covered at an upcoming conference on the topic of animal welfare.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Animal Welfare Conference takes place online on Friday, 27 February and will feature a wide-ranging programme of speakers presenting on the latest guidance on animal licensing and practical insights from key research and case studies.

These include Sharon Edwards, Consultant Animal Health Inspector, Animal Health & Welfare Services at the City of London, who will be speaking on the new licensing rules covering the keeping of primates as pets.

It is estimated that up to 5,000 primates are kept in domestic settings in the UK and from April 2026, private primate keepers will be legally required to hold a licence issued by their local authority to ensure zoo-level standards are in place to meet the welfare needs of these intelligent animals.

Applying for a license will be available from April this year and the CIEH conference will explore enforcement tools and guidance as this new legislation comes into force.

Among the other matters up for discussion during the half-day event will be the latest on the Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022, dealing with dangerous dogs from a local authority perspective and a case study on animal welfare and an illegally imported dog prosecution in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.

Nikki Pearson, Head of Events and Membership Engagement at CIEH, said:

“Our Animal Welfare Conference always proves to be a really popular event and we’re absolutely delighted with the programme we have this year which is sure to provide an engaging and informative event for all those in attendance.

“The conference is open to both members and non-members and I’m sure will appeal not just to Environmental Health professionals but anyone with an interest in animal welfare.”