Monkey abandoned in laundry bag on London bus
A marmoset monkey was found abandoned in a laundry bag on a London bus, prompting an RSPCA investigation. Officials believe the abandonment may be linked to new UK legislation requiring primate owners to obtain licenses.
Why it matters
It highlights the unintended consequences of new animal welfare laws and the potential for increased abandonment of exotic pets.
Image source, RSPCA Image caption, The monkey has been named Oyster
A marmoset monkey has been rescued by animal welfare officers after being found abandoned inside a laundry bag on a bus in north-west London.
The female primate was discovered by a driver on the route 302 bus when it arrived at Kensal Rise on Friday morning, the RSPCA said.
A passenger with a buggy had been unable to move down the bus because the bag was blocking the luggage bay. When the driver moved it, the monkey began chirping and jumping inside.
A spokesperson for the charity said the marmoset was trapped inside a small, metal bird cage wrapped in a chequered plastic bag. She was left with a piece of apple but was stressed and dehydrated.
The driver took the animal to the Metroline depot at in Willesden before contacting the RSPCA.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in