Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, recognizes U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Brian Fitzpatrick and Senator Richard Blumenthal for introducing the Captive Primate Safety Act. I praise you.
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This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is an important solution to the cruel and dangerous pet trade in non-human primates. The bill would ban private ownership of primates in the United States, effectively ending the pet primate trade.
Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA, said: “The simple truth is that all non-human primates are wild animals. In their natural environments, most species live in complex multi-generational social hierarchies. Yet, the cruel pet trade , these intelligent and sensitive animals are subjected to a life of isolation, restriction, and complete separation from their own kind, keeping primates captive even with the best of intentions. This can lead to serious emotional and psychological harm, as well as health and developmental problems.”
“At our primate sanctuary, we have witnessed this firsthand from many monkeys who came to us after years of suffering and neglect as ‘pets’ in private homes. Wild animals cannot be domesticated. Primates have always been a threat to public safety, as evidenced by countless tragic incidents. The time has come for a federal solution to protect both primates and people. We thank Senator Blumenthal, Representative Blumenauer, and Representative Fitzpatrick for introducing these solutions in the Captive Primate Safety Act. ”
More than 30 states already have bans on private ownership, but primates are so easily available from out-of-state dealers, auctions, and on the Internet that federal legislation is needed to help states crack down. . A conservative estimate is that approximately 15,000 primates are kept as “pets” in U.S. households. Approximately 300 people, including dozens of children, have been injured by primates since 1990, and many more incidents go unreported. Primates also pose a risk for infections such as Ebola, tuberculosis, and herpes B.
“This measure protects both primates and humans. Wild animals belong in the wild and should not be kept shackled or abused in someone’s backyard. They are often injured by captive wild animals because their deep-rooted instincts resist domestication, making them dangerously unpredictable pets. “But it also emphasizes basic humane behavior, ending the exploitation of highly intelligent, social animals similar to humans,” Blumenthal said.
“Primates are not pets. Allowing these animals to be kept in private captivity is not just cruel. Our communities are at great risk, and enacting this bipartisan, common-sense proposal to protect both primates and the public is long overdue.” said.
“For too long, primates have been abused, exploited and mistreated, while also carrying potentially deadly diseases that put humans at risk,” Fitzpatrick said. “As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I remain committed to promoting animal welfare. I will also continue to work hard to ensure that the unauthorized private possession of primates is prohibited and that animal safety is our top priority.” I am proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral bill.”
Born Free USA commends wildlife advocates for introducing this important and humane legislation and urges Congress to promptly consider and pass the Captive Primate Safety Act.
Featured image: Amy Jones/Animals in motion.
