A PEACEFUL protest took place ahead of Tameside Council’s full meeting as campaigners raised awareness about the continued importation of long-tailed macaque monkeys into the UK via Manchester Airport.
The demonstration, held on Tuesday, October 7 outside Dukinfield Town Hall, was organised by a coalition of regional animal welfare and ethical research groups, with support from the charity Action for Primates.
Campaigners say that more than 1,100 macaques have been flown into Manchester Airport this year alone, primarily from Mauritius and Vietnam. The animals are reportedly transported in small wooden crates before being taken to laboratories across the UK for testing.
Concerns have also been raised about animal welfare standards and the potential spread of zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis A.
Stockport Council has already condemned the trade as “deplorable”, while councillors in Bury and Manchester have voiced support for an end to the flights.
Campaigners are now urging Tameside Council, a stakeholder in Manchester Airport, to join those calls.
The issue was brought further into public view following an investigation by The Manchester Mill, which revealed that some airport staff had been required to handle live monkey shipments against their religious or ethical beliefs.
During Tuesday’s protest, demonstrators displayed banners and props, including a six-foot cardboard macaque mascot, inviting councillors to engage with them and learn more about the campaign.
Organisers described the event as “strictly peaceful” and said they hoped it would encourage dialogue with local representatives.