The government really does give a monkey's

IT MAY come as no surprise to hear about politicians monkeying around, but this time they have been accused of going too far.

• Marmoset monkeys are just some of the types of primate people keep as pets. It is hoped the new guidelines will help improve their care.

The Scottish Government has been busy drawing up a new set of guidelines to help the public – but they are not aimed at helping people cope with the recession or the winter weather.

Instead, they reveal how people in Scotland should look after their pet monkeys.

The government claims the document is necessary due to concerns raised over the quality of care of primates such as capuchins, marmosets and lemurs that are kept as pets.

However, even animal rights groups have acknowledged it is not a particular problem in Scotland.

And the Taxpayers' Alliance claimed the decision to draw up the new code was "unbelievable".

A spokeswoman for the Taxpayers' Alliance said: "It's mystifying that the Scottish Government would spend money on this, when it's something a majority of Scottish people neither want or need.

"Being concerned for animal welfare is one thing but this is not a spending priority at a time when finance is incredibly tight.

"It's unbelievable that, with all of Scotland's problems at the moment, the Scottish Government would spend money and time on a monkey-related project."

A consultation into the "Draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates" was launched yesterday .

The document said: "The Scottish Government accept that, whilst it has not been made aware of any evidence of widespread welfare problems relating to the keeping of non-human primates in private collections, these animals are complex and require specialist care and attention.

"Given how easy it can be to obtain a non-human primate, the Scottish Government are keen to ensure that those responsible for the welfare of these animals have access to suitable guidance."

Marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, macaques and lemurs are believed to be the most common primates kept as pets in Scotland.

An internet search reveals baby capuchin monkeys for sale in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland, often dressed in children's clothes or nappies.

Animal rights group Advocates for Animals estimates about 200 people keep monkeys as pets in Scotland, meaning it was not a "huge issue".

Nevertheless, a spokesman said they would like the Scottish Government to ban the practice.

"Primates are totally unsuitable to be kept as pets," he said. "They are wild undomesticated animals with complex physical, behavioural and social requirements that simply cannot be met in private conditions."

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said it was important that primates were kept only by people with specialist knowledge, but added that he was aware of "very few private collections of primates in Scotland".

Lorna Hughes, head keeper of the primate section at Edinburgh Zoo, strongly advised against keeping monkeys as pets.

She added: "They are treated as if they are humans but they are not little babies. They are primates."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it was not possible to quantify the cost associated with the consultation document.

Top tips on how to look after your pet primate

PRIMATES should not be considered as pets that can be treated as a part of the family like a cat or dog, according to the Scottish Government's new guidelines.

It warns that primates cannot be house-trained or fully tamed. They should not be kept on their own, or in domestic living spaces. Instead, the animals require specialised accommodation.

Anyone keeping a pet monkey should read up extensively on how to go about it.

Whenever possible, hands-on experience should be obtained by voluntary work with primates before buying a monkey as a pet.

The guidelines also warn that keeping a primate is expensive.

Not only do they cost large sums to buy, they also need a large enclosure, specialist veterinary services and a wide variety of foods.

Anyone looking after a monkey must also be able to spot signs of mental and physical abnormality, according to the code of conduct.

Experts also advise that prospective owners should have access to a vet specialised in primates before buying a monkey.