News

RSPCA call for primates to be banned as pets

Published

8 years ago

October 28, 2016

RSPCA CYMRU has launched a campaign calling for a ban on keeping primates as pets in Wales.

The charity’s scientists believe that primates can never be kept as pets without their welfare being compromised and are calling on the public, and decision-makers, to support a ban.

The animal welfare charity hopes Wales will join the list of 15 European countries which have implemented a ban of some kind. It is estimated that there are around 120 privately-kept primates in Wales, and in 2015, the RSPCA received more calls about primates traded or kept as a pet in Wales than in any of the previous 11 years.

Marmosets, capuchins and squirrel monkeys are by far the most common primates being kept as pets, destined for unnecessary suffering in an unnatural environment.

In a survey, RSPCA Cymru found 72% of those polled in Wales support a ban of the keeping of all primates as pets. The charity is now calling on supporters to urge their Assembly Members to support a ban.

RSPCA’s senior scientific officer, Ros Clubb, said: “It doesn’t matter how well intentioned the owner is, primates are not suitable pets. All primates, hand-reared or not, are wild animals. They are highly intelligent beings that need specialist care in captivity. The complex environment that a primate needs can never be provided in a house.

“Often they are living in bird cages, being fed sugary drinks and sweets and living in filthy conditions. Even when the owner has good intentions, the animals’ needs are not being met because primates are so difficult to keep and it is extremely complicated to ensure their welfare needs are being met.

“We fear there are hundreds more that are suffering behind closed doors because people do not know how to look after these animals properly and simply can’t provide what they need.

“The trend for keeping primates seems to be on the up – but they have very specific needs that can’t be met in a typical household and so suffering can be extreme. As well as dietary and environmental needs, primates are highly social animals and they have extremely complex behavioural and social needs – but sadly in many cases they are being kept as lone primates.”

Former Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett has spoken to RSPCA Cymru about the time she rehomed a primate from a pet shop in the early 80s. After feeling ‘desperately sorry for him’ she made the decision to buy the monkey thinking she could rescue him and make a difference to his life. He had been tied up with a collar and lead.

“The minute I walked in the house with the monkey I realised how out of my depth I was,” she said.

“He was wild. We had a wild animal in our house. One time he was on the top of the cupboard and jumped on my son’s head. I went to grab him and he bit me all around my arm. We were all just screaming. It was crazy. I know it can’t have been the monkey’s fault – it must have been such an incredibly stressful experience for him.

“Looking back, it was so scary how little information was available about how completely inappropriate it is to keep a monkey in a domestic environment. The only advice people need is that primates should never be kept as pets.”

Releasing details of Mrs Barrett’s experience, RSPCA Cymru wants to dispel the myth that keeping a primate is achievable in any home setting.

“These really are wild animals, not cuddly toys,” said Mrs Barrett. “The Government needs to ban the keeping of primates as pets not only to protect them from lives of misery, but also to protect the public.

“Please don’t repeat the same mistake as me. It really was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. Primates should never ever be kept as pets.”

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards