The RSPCA took Precious to the vet, where it was discovered that she had severe metabolic bone disease, a condition that develops when an animal becomes deficient in calcium and/or vitamin D3.
Jonathan Phillips, 54, and Laura Pittman, 52, admitted two Animal Welfare Act offenses. The court heard that the couple did not research how to care for Precious before buying her, fed her the wrong food, and provided inadequate living conditions for a marmoset. Despite her species having complex social needs, Precious was kept alone.
Upon investigation, Gemma Cooper, deputy chief inspector for the RSPCA, found Precious "screaming and rolling around in a chaotic and unpredictable manner and unable to walk." T
he court sentenced Phillips and Pittman to a 12-month community order with 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirement, fined them £350 each, and ordered them to pay victim surcharges of £140.
Additionally, Phillips was ordered to pay £966.71 in costs, and Pittman was ordered to pay £965.21. The RSPCA emphasized that marmosets are wild animals that do not belong in people's homes.