Pet owners in the UK are being alerted to two significant changes in legislation regarding pet ownership and the responsibilities of dog walkers. The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 will introduce licensing requirements for keeping certain primates, including marmosets and lemurs, starting on April 6, 2025. This will require private owners to meet welfare standards similar to those mandated for zoos, with compliance enforced by fines or the seizure of animals from non-compliant owners.

In addition to primate regulations, there are also new penalties impacting individuals who walk dogs, increasingly making owners responsible for their pets' behavior in public spaces. This shift aims to ensure public safety and animal welfare, addressing concerns raised by local councils and community members. These changes come after increasing reports of dog-related incidents, highlighting the need for responsible pet ownership and accountability.

Councillor Andrew Last, addressing these reforms, emphasized the importance of protecting animals and the public. The new laws are part of a broader strategy to enhance animal welfare standards and mitigate the risks posed by certain pets in urban environments. The implementation timeline provides a year for current primate owners to adapt, while also recalibrating expectations for dog owners walking their pets in public areas.