MONKEY business was on the agenda at East Herts District Council’s most recent scrutiny committee meeting.
The plight of elderly capuchins Mouella and Fudge, who live at Bishop’s Stortford’s Animal Rescue Charity (ARC) in Foxdells Lane, was raised by Cllr Michael Newman.
Following the death of 90-year-old animal lover Elsie Quarmby in 2009, the pair of monkeys – who belonged to the much-loved former bank clerk from Hunsdon – were left in the ARC’s care for the rest of their lives.
But to be able to house the primates legally, the charity has to pay the authority £530 every two years for a wild animal licence. Although it was left some money by Ms Quarmby, this does not cover the cost.
According to Cllr Newman, the Independent member for Hunsdon, the only other licensee in the district is Paradise Wildlife Park at Broxbourne. Despite being a commercial venture with many more creatures under its wing, it pays the same amount.
After being sent its latest bill at the end of this year, the ARC asked Cllr Newman to find out whether the fee could be reduced – and whether future demands could be made more manageable.
Cllr Newman said: “I was asked to flag it up on two counts: whether there was any possibility of changing what seems to be a rather inequitable situation, and . . . the possibility that some means could be found whereby the existing demand could be negotiated.
“I think there was some sympathy for them and the wheels are now in motion to see if there is any prospect at all that the current demand could be reduced, but I don’t know the outcome . . . I think it is as yet unresolved.”
Known affectionately as the “monkey lady”, Ms Quarmby helped introduce the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 – which is the legislation under which the ARC must apply for a licence.
