A distressing discovery was made on a north-west London bus last Friday, when a marmoset monkey was found abandoned in a laundry bag. The female primate's tiny cries for help were silenced until the driver of the route 302 bus, arriving at Kensal Rise, moved the blockage from the luggage bay.
The passenger who had been prevented by the bag from boarding with their buggy reported that upon removal, the monkey inside began to make noises and move. The RSPCA's subsequent examination revealed that the marmoset was confined within a small metal bird cage, wrapped in a plastic bag bearing a chequered pattern. While a piece of apple had been left for her, Oyster, as she would come to be known, was found to be stressed and dehydrated.
Transported by the driver to the Metroline depot in Willesden before contacting the RSPCA for assistance, Oyster underwent a veterinary check-up. She has since been deemed healthy and relocated to an animal sanctuary, where arrangements are being made for her introduction to a male companion.
Chief Inspector Clare Dew of RSPCA London expressed concerns that this incident might be just one of many consequences of the new pet primate licensing legislation, introduced in April this year. She noted, "It was clearly intentional. This is directly linked to the new regulations and is something we feared would happen. I'd be surprised if it's not a recurring issue."
The RSPCA is reviewing CCTV footage and travel records from the bus service in an effort to identify the individual responsible for abandoning Oyster. They are also urging individuals who may struggle with caring for their pets or securing necessary licences under the new regulations to seek advice from veterinarians or animal charities, rather than resorting to abandonment.