Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, applauds Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for introducing the Captive Primate Safety Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation is a critical solution to the cruel and dangerous pet trade in nonhuman primates.
According to Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA, “The simple truth is all non-human primates are wild animals. Most species live in complex, multigenerational, social hierarchies in a natural environment. And yet, the cruel pet trade subjects these intelligent, sensitive animals to lives of isolation, restriction, and complete disconnect from their own kind. Even with the best of intentions, holding primates captive causes health and developmental issues, as well as serious emotional and psychological harm. At our primate sanctuary, we have witnessed this firsthand in the many monkeys who came to us after years of suffering and neglect as ‘pets’ in private homes. As wild animals that are unable to be domesticated, primates will also always be a risk to public safety – demonstrated by countless tragic and senseless incidents. It is time for a federal solution to protect both primates and the public.”
While more than 30 states already prohibit private ownership, primates are easily obtained through out-of-state dealers and auctions and via the internet, making a federal law necessary to support state enforcement efforts. Conservative estimates suggest there are approximately 15,000 primates in U.S. homes, kept as “pets.” Since 1990, approximately 300 people – including dozens of children – have been injured by primates, and many more incidents go unreported. Primates also pose disease risks, including transmission of Ebola, tuberculosis, and herpes-B.
“Keeping primates as pets is both hazardous and inhumane. There is no reason why these wild animals should be trapped inside homes away from their natural habitats,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “Beyond the harm to animals, this reckless trend puts families and communities at risk of physical attacks and dangerous viruses. It is past time to end this harmful practice and ensure humane treatment of these animals. It’s what is best for people and primates.”
“As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am committed to ensuring our government is doing its part to promote animal welfare. For too long, primates have been mistreated, exploited, and abused while also carrying deadly diseases that can be passed along to humans,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan and bicameral Captive Primate Safety Act would prohibit the unlicensed, private possession of apes, monkeys, and other primates, and put animal welfare and safety first.”
While the Captive Primate Safety Act has been reintroduced in past Congresses, it only focused on the trade of primates through interstate commerce. The new legislation introduced today, while including a ban on interstate commerce, goes further to explicitly ban private ownership of all nonhuman primates as pets and includes a general prohibition on direct contact of primates by the public.
According to Senator Blumenthal, “This common-sense legislation cracks down on the dangerous, exploitative pet primate trade. Prohibiting the private ownership, sale, and transportation of apes, chimps, and other primates will alleviate the suffering these intelligent, social animals endure in sub-standard captivity. Hundreds of people have been injured by privately owned primates. Passing the Captive Primate Safety Act will protect both the animals and the public.”
Born Free USA applauds Sen. Blumenthal and Reps. Blumenauer and Fitzpatrick for introducing this important, humane legislation, and strongly urges Congress to swiftly take up and pass the Captive Primate Safety Act.
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