Update: This bill failed to pass before the end of the 113th Congress.
Update (July 30, 2014): S. 1463 passed the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works without amendments.
Bill description:
This bill amends the Lacey Act to prohibit interstate commerce in monkeys, apes and other primates in the exotic “pet” trade. It is narrowly crafted to target the commerce in and private possession of primates, and would not impact zoos, universities or wildlife sanctuaries.[teaserbreak]
Background:
Check out our fact sheet for more details. Read our press release on its introduction here.
Charla Nash, an inspirational woman who survived a brutal pet chimpanzee attack in 2009, spoke before the media and members of Congress in July about her ordeal. Her message: she does not want what happened to her to happen to any other person, because it’s preventable. Her courageous story has galvanized support throughout Congress. Read our press release about the event here.