District Judge Christopher Williams ruled in favor of Jodie Marsh's appeal at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, overturning the council's decision. Uttlesford District Council had blocked Jodie Marsh's initial application for a wild animals licence for eight ring-tailed lemurs. Council members claimed Jodie Marsh treated animals as 'pets' after reports she took a baby meerkat and an owl to a pub.
There were also concerns about noise from the animals. Jodie Marsh has successfully applied for a primate licence at Fripps Farm rescue centre. The primate licence is in place for two years.
I was completely over the moon.
Jodie Marsh said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had no concerns about animals in her care following inspections. She claimed she was the victim of criticism from online trolls. Jodie Marsh does not currently have lemurs at the sanctuary.
The new Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 introduce requirements higher than zoo standards. Jodie Marsh uses funds from OnlyFans to pay for the upkeep of more than 400 animals at the sanctuary. The exact reasons Uttlesford District Council initially blocked the lemur licence, beyond general concerns about treatment as pets and noise, have not been detailed.
I knew we would get the licence because we’d done everything correctly.
The current status of the lemurs that were the subject of the legal battle remains unclear. What specific requirements under these new regulations are 'higher than zoo standards' has not been specified. How many marmosets or other primates Jodie Marsh currently has at Fripps Farm is unknown.
How many primate licence applications have been approved or denied under the new regulations is also not reported.
With the new primate law coming into effect, many people won’t be able to keep their marmosets and thousands will need homes. It is so crucial that those of us who can, do have a licence, so we can rescue more if needed.
On the basis of the evidence available I am persuaded that the noise made by the lemurs is not a nuisance. I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the decision by Uttlesford District Council was wrong and continues to be wrong. I allow the appeal.