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U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) has introduced a crucial piece of legislation, the Captive Primate Safety Act (HR 8164/S 4206), which would make it unlawful to breed or possess primates in private homes and would prohibit dangerous direct contact between them and the public. If passed, people would no longer be able to buy monkeys to keep them as “pets.” The law would afford regulated primates significant protection, so we need your help now.
Ruthless dealers routinely tear baby monkeys away from their mothers to be sold into the pet industry, leaving both with lifelong emotional scars. These animals are often bought on a whim by people seeking a novelty “pet” but who have no understanding of their specialized needs. Many “pet” primates are relegated to spending their lives in silly outfits and diapers. Some or all of their teeth may be removed, even though doing so can cause severe problems.
Primates are unpredictable, and escapes, injuries, and trauma are inevitable. Whether as a result of the stress of social isolation or simply because it’s in a primate’s nature to solve problems with aggression, they can and will attack and bite humans. Their teeth are sharp, their jaws are strong, and their bites are often severe.
Treating monkeys like living dolls is a speciesist mindset that must end.
Use the form below to let your U.S. representative and senators know that you support the Captive Primate Safety Act (HR 8164/S 4206) to safeguard both wild animals and the public. Please personalize your letter and tell your members of Congress why this is important to you as their constituent.