S. 462 would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the importation, exportation, transportation, and sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, of any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species.
Detailed Summary
Captive Primate Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to add nonhuman primates to the definition of "prohibited wildlife species" for purposes of the prohibition against the sale or purchase of such species in interstate or foreign commerce.
Makes it unlawful for a person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase a live animal of any prohibited wildlife species in interstate or foreign commerce (i.e., for pet trade purposes). Sets forth exceptions to such prohibition, including, under certain conditions, for: (1) transporting a nonhuman primate to or from a veterinarian; (2) transporting a nonhuman primate to a legally designated caregiver as a result of the death of the preceding owner; and (3) transporting a single primate of the genus Cebus that was obtained from and trained by a charitable organization to assist a permanently disabled individual with a severe mobility impairment.
Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out such prohibition for FY2010-FY2014.
Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY2010 for use in hiring additional law enforcement personnel of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to enforce the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 2/24/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Donna Musto
February 25, 2009, 5:11pm (report abuse)this is wrong, this punishes those of us that that at have monks under 15 lbs have never done anything wrong and obey the laws.please consider what your doing to us, we have vets outside the state and we keep up vet care.dont punish the many for the wrong doing of the 1. place a ban on size and require animal control report all incidents.but dont take away our rights, please. these are part of our family, and for some.all we have. please reconsider what your doing to us.
proud primate caretaker,
Donna musto
Gidget
February 25, 2009, 5:46pm (report abuse)This bill will take away the rights of the responsible owners. We shouldn't be punished for others mistakes. Do we take away horses and dogs when they hurt and even kill humans daily. This will make monkey owners a prisoner in our own state. Are we not Americans? What if we have to move for a job transfer? Do you really think we will put our monkeys in a sanctuary or put it down. We wouldn't ask other pet owners to do that, why would you ask us to. We will not go away and we will still own these beautiful animals, legal or not. You are just making it bad on the animals. People will go into hiding and then you will never know how many monkeys are out there in the USA. It will be like another prohibition. We just want what is fair, give us restrictions, but not another Federal Bill that will just hurt our American rights. This is just one more step towards the USA not being a free country. Nobody will do anything until it is their so called "domestic animals". Good Luck
Georgia
February 25, 2009, 11:02pm (report abuse)I am so against this Bill. We have fought for our rights for many years. We have asked for lisnced for states but we never recieved. We have asked for regulations . But we never recieved. People with monkeys as pets , give the best care, and we are responsable owner.We cant be heard unless its something bad .. Then media assume the worst. Will helping hands monkeys be apart of this bill? Will zoos have to stop transporting thier primates? Will animal trade be just stopped? Will usda go out of bussiness covering primates because no one will report thier primates? This is a big can of worms they are opening?
We americans cant be heard or delt with if we are small, in number. I wish we all could rally together to show you we are responsiable. I my self have been in monkey bussiness since 1992 i have all my fingers and toes, i am healthy with no sickness from them. So that should say a lot! But for some reason we cant be heard!!!!!
Nerineb
(logged in user) February 26, 2009, 10:13pm (report abuse)A government that has just run up more than a trillion dollars in debt for ridiculous "pork" projects in a Stimulus Package that NO ONE read has no right to make laws restricting the ownership of beloved animals! How many of the Reps. and Senators have ever been around privately-owned primates? They have been brainswashed by the P{ETA crowd and others like them who are control freaks and care nothing for the animals. It's Socialism, folks, bordering on Communism, and the pathetic government wants to ban pets! From what we are told, the world is on the verge of financial collapse, we could any minute be attacked, the banks and industries are failing. People are losing their homes and jobs. Yet, a few primates are the TARGET? Utter nonsense by elected fools! How about going after the tens of millions of ILLEGAL ALIENS that commit crimes in record numbers, steal our jobs, suck 70 billion $$$ from our welfare, medical and educational systems each year?
Sandi
February 27, 2009, 8:44am (report abuse)My husband & I both have been laid off from our jobs, I am hoping we don't lose our house that we just built, we don't go anywhere that's not necessary because of the gas prices & you want to come after non-human primates ?? You elected officials, who by the way are supossed to be working for us, need to get your priorities straight and worry about the things that matter most, like fixing our economy not some monkeys !!
TomKi
February 27, 2009, 8:46am (report abuse)Violating human rights for the sake of this bill is simply not worth spending federal money on. Congress should be protecting our rights instead of finding excuses to help the animal rights activists take them away.
A voter
February 27, 2009, 9:07am (report abuse)I am a grown American citizen! I am not some special needs child that needs to be told each move to make by a govt. This control over our lives is getting a bit much with the gov't now wanting to choose what pets we can raise? I expect equal billing for ALL animals. What about drugs, sex abuse, murders??!! Why aren't people pushing this hard for a stop to that? Why are little girls/boys being kidnapped daily and abused??? Travis made the news - some missing children don't even get that billing! Please, please, we elected you with trust to do the right thing. You can't choose our animals. You can make sure they are maintained properly for public's sake, but now if we can own them. Free country??!
boo
February 27, 2009, 5:07pm (report abuse)I am a resopnsible primate owner tha lives in a state that has laws regarding primate ownership. I am opposed to bill S.462. If this bill passes responsible primate owners will become prisoners in their state and the primates will also suffer if their vet happens to be in another state. Please give this your consideration there are more dog bites in this country yearly than monkey bites. 100,000 reported dog bites verses 8 reported monkey bites per year. Please consider making people get licensed like they do in Florida so that inexperienced people can not just purchase a primate.
Doreen.O
February 27, 2009, 7:21pm (report abuse)I agree with Boo.I am a responsible monkey owner, also. I oppose this bill.Making people get a license to own a monkey is a much better solution. Monkeys do not carry diseases.all monkey owners would be dead if this were truth. AR activist spread lies.The disease spread here is people not being truthfully educated about monkeys.Monkeys are not pets for everyone but for those of us that have them and are responsible owners, our rights should not be taken away. Also, monkeys ARE NOT apes.
ladonna
February 27, 2009, 9:04pm (report abuse)I am beginning to feel like I am living in a communist country. while our soldiers are getting their legs blown off in order for us to keep our freedom, you are listening to groups like PETA who want to take our freedom away,as well as the freedom of our animals. How often have you heard through the media, that a human was violently attacked by a primate? How often have you heard through the media, that a human was violently attacked by a dog? That should clarify something in itself.PETA and HSUS and other AR groups just want to make a name for themselves, and get the public to believe and trust in them, so they can get their money. Didn\\\\\\\'t you hear about PETA dumping dead dogs in dumpsters? People have had monkeys as pets since the beginning of time. A 200 lb chimp is not your average pet monkey. Mostly all pet monkeys weigh less than a pound full grown or up to 30-40 lbs. Be realistic here. This bill is not fair. where is the justice?
Hope
February 28, 2009, 9:51am (report abuse)I agree with everyone\'s points. However, I also have a problem with Sect 3 (C)(ii). Where it states, \"the nonhuman primate was obtained from, and trained at, a licensed nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 the nonprofit tax status of which was obtained\".
So, you have to have a \"title\" to be smart enough to train a monkey to help you? Or spend TONS of money to have one trained that DOES have a \"title\". Sorry, that makes no sense to me!!
Also, Crossing an invisible state line, is not going to make a monkey bite or not bite. What is the reasoning behind this? Travis didn\'t cross an invisible line to bite that woman. I think our elected officials need to take care of more important issues, instead of spending MORE money on crossing a state line. In GOD I trust.
Freedom
March 13, 2009, 4:21pm (report abuse)I am against this law . I am a primate owner have been for many years. I understand if they want to regulate chimps. But to lump all the primates together is ridiclous.This law will effect more than just the pet owners of primates and the right to own one. Who is going to feed all the breeders , and sanctuaries who have 100's of monkeys and their families. Who is going to feed and take care of the monkeys after the law passes they won't be able too!! Sanctuaries sell their surplus, zoos sell surplus to brokers so they can feed and afford to pay caretakers.Are they going to distroy them. So is Obama going to give the breeders , brokers and zoos money to take care of these animals. Where is the American dream ?? Where are or rights to own what we choose ?? Socialism is around the corner NO FREEDOM anymore for anything. Our economy is bad already lets take some more jobs away. Also the love of animals away from us. We have little rights left we need to fight this ridiculous law.
DEE
March 16, 2009, 5:06pm (report abuse)WHY DO'NT YOU JUST TAKE ALL OUR RIGHTS AWAY. FREE WORLD MY A!!!!!!!
hezzmarie
March 18, 2009, 12:25am (report abuse)I have been raised around monkeys my whole life and can not imagine a world without them we should not be punished for the mistakes of others we are responsible animal owners they are not people and we do not treat them as so but they are family and are loved and cared for we will fight for our rights
Linda
March 18, 2009, 4:54pm (report abuse)I am a primate owner but am also a U S Citizen and am proud of that fact. I don't think anyone should be able to take away my right to travel from state to state because I own a six to eight lb. primate. There are more serious matters that should be addressed in this country. People need to know what they are talking about before they open their mouth about primates. Most people don't.
Monkey Momma
March 18, 2009, 8:18pm (report abuse)This is crazy. There are more dog attacks in 1 year then primates have ever been! They should be worrying about the economy not our monkeys! Just because 1 person was very poor in her judgment we have to pay? I vote against this!!!
Sheila Huff
March 19, 2009, 2:49pm (report abuse)More people are maul and killed by domestic dogs than any monkey,monkeys are in thousands of homes and they are used to help handicap people have a life again,A dog,horse,even a child,in the wrong hands is dangerous,Many jobs will be lost if this law is passed including USDA inspectors,that travel and inspect people that breed and show these animals,not to mention the employees that work for the people ,you cannot compare a 200ib ape to a 5 lb monkey,look up helping hands monkeys and see what these animals do for people
Dennis Balgemann
March 22, 2009, 1:26am (report abuse)At a time when even the birds of Hawaii are becoming in danger of extinction yet one more pitifully uninformed animal lover lobby has proposed a bill to help to ensure the extinction of American bred primates. This bill will eliminate the American breeder\\\'s ability to obtain genetic diversity for their captive breeding programs whatever the species. Only through interstate trade with other licensed breeders, as well as a supervistd licensing program of importation of exotic species by competent exotic animal breeders can many exotic species now on the verge of extinction throughout the world have a safety net to survival as habitat destruction and hunger driven populations invade their world. The American primate breeders are one of an ever diminishing safety net for the prevention of extinction of such species. This bill is not a product of animal lovers, but a thoughtless formula and route to animal extinction. Extinction is forever!
Nancy From Nebraska
March 23, 2009, 6:59am (report abuse)I am opposed to this act! I agree with all who own primates that our world would be a far better place if we would stop being dictated to in our own country! What is going on? Our rights are constantly being violated with each adverse act of an animal, the gov wants to waste time and energy into making another law to take more and more away from us! What harm can a small primate be to others, and if, by some remote chance, something does happen, the owner is repsponsible, not the primate! Primates do become part of the family and no one should have the right to interfere with the family life one chooses to have, not in the USA!!! I am proud to be an American, atleast I thought I was free, but if this passes and we have to be dictated to, then I no longer would feel the same and I am sure many others would feel the same! Get on greater issues and leave this alone!
Crystal
March 23, 2009, 1:25pm (report abuse)This is a time when we all need to come to gether.It we as amarican all stand for our right instead of just sitting here letting people run over us, we can make a differance.Its time we stand together and show then we care about what they are doing and we are not going to take this lying on our backs.We will fight till the end of our right. They are trying to single us out.As one of you said before there are all kinds of other animals that hurt and kill people to and you arent seeing anything about them.There are step that can be made to make this a much more pleasent task. Get onto the greater issues and take more time to deside what would be the right way to handle this problem.
Denise
March 23, 2009, 6:15pm (report abuse)This is just a ridiculous bill.....Isn't this America? Who are the yahoos that think they can just keep taking away our rights as American Citizens....I pay taxes, I should be able to own what I want....You always focus on the monkey attacks, which are very few mind you....What about the thousands of dog attacks each year? You gonna ban dogs too? It would be over my cold dead body before they come and take mine away....Sanctuary my butt.....Those people sell the monkeys and then take them back calling them dangerous....Boy they are making money on both ends now aren't they??
sandy viguers
March 23, 2009, 7:41pm (report abuse)where are the rights for people with small primates that are well cared for. How can you lump us with a 200 pound chimps. My dog could do more harm than my monkey if he was so inclined. The wackos will take away our rights to own any animals eventually. Regulate and permit NOT LEGISLATE!!!!!
nancy
(logged in user) March 23, 2009, 7:45pm (report abuse)I think it is so wrong to pass this ban. Moneky owners are more responsible pet owners than most. They will do whatever to protect their pets. If they try to pass a ban on primates than there should be a ban on dogs also. Dog do more harm to people than a primate does. There are many more dog attacks. Monkeys aren\\\\\\\'t pets, they are family and treated as such. This country is becoming communist by trying to ban everything they feel like they don\\\\\\\'t want in their country. The government is wrong on this and should let this pass. They are taking away our freedom and trying to run a dictatorship on what we can and can\\\\\\\'t have in this country. I would have moved to Russia if I wanted to live that way and now I still might have to.
Brenda
March 23, 2009, 7:51pm (report abuse)I am a monkey owner and have been for 12 years. Mine are my family and have never attacked anyone and have never made me sick from any diseases. I know many people who own primates. None of theirs have ever attacked anyone or made anyone ill. We are we all being punished? We are they trying to make us all give up our primates. We have done nothing wrong and neither have our monkeys to deserve such treatment. It is sad that I may lose my girls. It would kill me if someone came in and took them. Or if they got sick and I couldn't take them to a primate vet across state lines and they were seriously ill. That isn't fair what you are trying to do to us. What if you took away everyones pet dogs?? That isn't fair and neither is this. They are our beloved family members. Please don't let this happen in this country which is supposed to be a free country.
David Viguers
March 23, 2009, 8:09pm (report abuse)Of all the stupid bills put forth by congress this one is right on the top. Once again the idiots in congress are trying to take away the rights of individuals and remove the incentive for people to take responsibility for their own actions. Will they ever learn?
Monkmom
March 24, 2009, 2:55pm (report abuse)This is a ridiculous bill! Why are you spending money to fight such a thing when the economy is in the shape it is in! I own monkeys and they are my kids, I take better care of them then a lot of parents with human kids. I have never gotten sick from any of my primates and they are better behaved then a lot of human children. I love my primates dearly----- Please don\'t take our rights away, this is a free country--or is supposed to be!
Nicki
March 24, 2009, 4:42pm (report abuse)This bill is rediculous. Just another rediculous bill that cannot be enforced to cost the taxpayers more money. Plus totally rediculous to lump small primates in with large carnivores! Like comparing a small house kitten with a lion! Legislators should be spending their time on fixing the economy and stay out of peoples personel lives! AND QUIT LISTENING and taking donations from HSUS that is just another AR group. Our legislatures need to go back to helping the country and keeping our freedom safe!!!!!!!!
Juanita Brents
March 24, 2009, 8:46pm (report abuse)I do not own any monkeys or large carnivores. However I believe that this is just the first step in legislating away my rights to keep my pets. Find some real problem to legislate - like fixing the economy.
Mike B
March 25, 2009, 10:59am (report abuse)This Bill is just another way of attacking our freedom. I spent 20 years in the US Army serving the great Americans of this nation. I do not need to be fighting on America's soil to defend my right to own a monkey. This is just not right. Shame on you Government. Look at the vehicles that kill/hurt people every day. Soon you will be banning the car I drive or the car my friend drives. This is AMERICA lets fix the economy and work on those bills, and not worry about pet owners. If you want to do something good for America put more money into the SPCA who try and shelter unwanted pets. Help the SPCA, we can take care of ourselves. We love our monkeys and we take good care of them. I know you will do whats right. Thanks and thanks to all who wrote in with and without monkeys. Thanks Again.
Joseph Vespa
March 28, 2009, 10:32pm (report abuse)Laws made based on the hysteria of the moment are bad laws. Just because you don't see why anyone would want a monkey doesn't mean you should pass laws taking someone else's liberty to own one. If a person is killed by a car, that individual situation is dealt with, you don't ban all automobiles.
Charlies
March 28, 2009, 11:31pm (report abuse)Pet primates are family and people's babies taking them away and/or baning them is a crime in itself. The government should just ban us Humans from going to the doctor because that is what they are doing if this bill gets passes because most primate vets are out-of-state. This is so wrong is is just taking our rights away as US citizens - communism awaits us! Forget zoo and santuaries all the primates get there is love and care from the business hours of 9am-5pm after that the primates are on their own, pet primates get love 24/7!!!!!!
Shirl
March 31, 2009, 8:42am (report abuse)Why dont the govt. just leave well enough alone? What about all the primates that were & are abused in their research labs? But we that love our monks & give them the best of care are violating their almighty laws? They need to reevaluate their way of thinking!
Monkey Gramma
March 31, 2009, 7:28pm (report abuse)This bill has become a perpetual knee jerk reaction to any primate related action that becomes 'news worthy'. Organizations with $$ can reach our Congressmen & 'buy' a vote that makes no sense. Please leave my non-human primates alone, they are hurting no one. And no one is hurting them unless this bill passes.
Peter
March 31, 2009, 7:33pm (report abuse)they should let people raise the animals they want especially if they own their houshold they should be able to have or do what they want with it!!!!!!!!!
Peter
March 31, 2009, 8:13pm (report abuse)come what are you people waiting for even if you dont want a monkey dont you think it would be fair if people could own what they want breed what they want no matter what the govt. says it shhould be your choice to do what ever and i agree FREE COUNTRY MY A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my kid wanted a squirrel monkey and we had already otten everything set in his room for the monkey to stay when what do you know the govt. wont let Park Ridge, Ilinois have a primate and im sure there are people out there in this similar situation so PLEASE VOT THE RIGHT TO OWN!!!
Slentis
March 31, 2009, 8:23pm (report abuse)i cant believe this is even a right that should even matter to the govt! why do they really want to spend money on this? is it because they have no more rights to take away from us so they go to the our pets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????? y cant wwe own what we want.. and to peters situation that similar thing happeded to me!!!!!!
Peter
March 31, 2009, 8:24pm (report abuse)VOTE TO OWN!!!!!!!!!! GO AGAINST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me
April 1, 2009, 9:02pm (report abuse)Wow. Monkeys are wild animals, not pets. I don't care about size, weight, whatever. All monkeys should live out their days in the wild, not in a home in suburbia. I think this bill is wonderful, but more needs to be done. All monkeys, tigers, exotic pets of any sort need to be taken from the owners and allowed to live as naturally as possible at a sanctuary staffed by highly trained professionals. Owning a primate, monkey, etc. is a PRIVILEGE not a "RIGHT". If you had paid attention in school you would know this. Do none of you think of the animals here? And please do not put horses and dogs on the same level. If a dog ripped someone's face off, it would be put down. Monkeys are very unpredictable because they are wild animals. And to Sheri - the government deals with more than just two unfortunately unemployed people somewhere. The economy sucks because people made bad money decisions for years.
Charlies #2
April 2, 2009, 1:42am (report abuse)Who ever "Me" is you don't know what you are talking about. Zoos are a major part of how "wild" and "exotic" animals became pets, because they sold them to people and or animal brokers when they had too many animals or a baby animal was born.
And as for sanctuaries and zoos taking them in for one a zoo will not take a "wild" animal that was once a pet, and most sanctuaries lock them up one to a cage, how would you like to be locked up in a cage with no one, feared by all? All sanctuaries are is a bunch of cages and concrete for that I would stick my primates in my garage.
It is a RIGHT to own what ever you want including primates and other “exotic” animals. Zoos and sanctuaries are so over rated, and do nothing but hide the truth and make everyone that owns “exotic” animals out to be horrible people, this is only because they hate the fact that we don’t have to spend money to come see them locked up in a cage.
Natacha
April 2, 2009, 7:47am (report abuse)I came across this bill while doing some research and I think it is BRILLIANT!!
Why do you need to put a diaper and frilly dress on a primate and have it sitting in a high chair drinking out of a baby bottle while clinging to a stuffed toy? Do you think this is good?
Do you also feed it chocolate and take it to all the neighbourhood street parties?!
Your right why pay money to a zoo or sanctaury, who is housing these animals in large enclosures, in the social groups that they socially need to be living in when we can all go around to Charlies#2's house and stare his till it starts over grooming and self mutilating and dies from stress.
BRING THIS BILL ON!!!
Melissa
(logged in user) April 3, 2009, 11:42am (report abuse)Why should the right to own a primate be taken away because of anothers mistakes. There are car crashes everyyear but I don't see the U.S. doing away with those. It is unfair and not right. I vote against it.
Melissa
(logged in user) April 3, 2009, 11:47am (report abuse)Also i see many of you all saying Monkeys are wild aniamals well let me ask you this, do you think that you aren't. Everything came from the wild. Dogs, Cats, all of them. Why do you feel that they are any different? People are the wildest creatures out there. We take steal, Kill, Abuse, and harm our own kind. Primates work together to live in peace just because they want to not because of laws. Humans only lisen because of state laws if their were no laws right now our kind would murder, steal, and harm one another. I believe you are very mixed up on who the wild animals are here.
Sarah
April 3, 2009, 10:41pm (report abuse)Charlie it is not your right to OWN whatever you want. We are talking about living breathing sentient beings.
But you are right about zoos and sanctuaries - they are even worse, and should be outlawed next.
Johanna
April 4, 2009, 1:53pm (report abuse)To Melissa, yes, cats, dogs, horses, all came from the wild, but that was hundreds of generations ago. They aren't wild now. One generation of an "exotic" pet is not domesticated. And if you knew anything about wild primates, they aren't always peaceful. Chimps will hunt down other packs and wipe out an entire troop. They will eat each other in the wild. I don't support this law, but I'm not against it. The idea behind it is good at the core, but it needs to be changed. If a primate is being transported for medical reasons (if the vet is in another state) fine, with a permit. I think the idea behind the bill is to prevent the transport of primates that are taken from their mothers in the wild. As much as I am against "exotics" as pets, there are responsible owners and those that aren’t. This law does tend to punish those who truly do love their pets and know that their pet is still wild. Again, the idea behind it is good, but actually words need to be changes.
Charlies 3
April 6, 2009, 2:47am (report abuse)Come on! "Natacha" you need to OPEN your eyes and READ, I said I have primates with an "s", I am not stupid and would never keep one on its own. Next time you respond think and like I said read the whole thing!!!!!
Michelle A
April 7, 2009, 6:18pm (report abuse)I agree with Johanna. The bill isn't to protect the rights of people but the rights of animals. As a primate keeper I have gotten many inquiries about how to obtain pet monkey. And time and time again I have always given the same answer... bad idea... for a list of reasons too long to state here... several of which many of you already know. Yes... I work in a zoo... what's the difference you ask... the major difference is that zoos (accredited) are highly regulated and their two main goals are education and conservation... two very important, very necessary keys to the survival of our natural world. I see the only reason to have an exotic pet such as a monkey to be for entertainment value of the sorts. Many of the people on here sound very informed and educated on appropriate ways to take care of their pet monkeys. But the bottom line is there should be no monkeys/WILD pets in private homes because the majority of regular folks out there who would abuse that privilege.
SaveOurPrimates
April 13, 2009, 6:17pm (report abuse)To help stop this bill from becoming a law click the link below (or copy and paste), search for your Senator(s) name(s) and call them and let them know you disagree with the H.R. 80 Captive Primate Safety Act!
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Jacob Jordan
April 16, 2009, 8:33am (report abuse)You should be able to have a wild life animal if you have plenty of land and the proper cage for it.
Laurie Downing
April 17, 2009, 12:42am (report abuse)Next there will be a law, telling us how many children we can have! Stop this before we have no rights left!
Beatrice
April 17, 2009, 9:53pm (report abuse)I absolutely am FOR this bill. Primates should not be pets. They deserve to live their own lives free and with their families and friends in the wild. Shame on you people for snatching them away from their mothers, caging them, taking out their canines, and making them be something they were not meant for.
Laurie
April 19, 2009, 4:51pm (report abuse)They are from generations of pet monkeys and are born in captivity! Lke there parents, and in most cases very happy with there human family's. I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT, I HAVE A MONKEY IN MY FAMILY.
LEIGH
May 5, 2009, 1:29am (report abuse)I AM NOT FOR THIS BILL. I HAVE A MONKEY IN MY FAMILY . WE LOVE IT AND IT IS HAPPY, WELL CARED FOR.
Jessica M
May 5, 2009, 5:42pm (report abuse)This is ridiculous, our government needs to focus on things that are more important like the millions of people who are suffering under our pitiful economy. Why make the responsible primate owners suffer for the mistakes of others??
Ruehlman
May 6, 2009, 1:25pm (report abuse)This bill is rediculous. People should own a primate first before they judge on how they area as pets. They make wonderful companions.
Sandy O
June 1, 2009, 10:01pm (report abuse)When I was a teen we owned 2 squirrel monkeys. I ran in to this while trying 2 buy a new one. The law does let u take your pet to
the vet it is one of the exceptions. I am against taking monkeys in the wild as they always kill the mom & take the babies. However if they r being bread I see no harm if people r responsible. I loved my monkeys like they were family. They r so much like us.
Anna Malova
June 3, 2009, 3:45pm (report abuse)What a bunch of morons here! Animals aren't property, merchandise, or objects. Also, there's a reason why they're called "exotic" - they belong in the wild, not in maladjusted weirdos' homes. How depraved that you'd rather place these sentient beings in jeopardy because of your self-bestowed, alleged "right" to "own" them.
Dalton
June 21, 2009, 2:37am (report abuse)HOW DARE YOU!!!!! THIS BILL IS PURE EVIL!!!!! MONKEYS AND OTHER EXOTICS ARE SOMETIMES THE ONLY FAMILY AN OWNER HAS!!!! DO YOU REALIZE THIS WILL INCREASE THE SUICIDE RATE???!!!! OR DO YOU EVEN CARE??? you probably dont. Have a great year...jerks.
Amelia Patterson
June 21, 2009, 5:16pm (report abuse)Most everyone who has decided to spend the thousands of dollars it takes to acquire and responsibly keep a primate has done their research and will not be putting anyone at risk with such primate. I don't agree that the interstate travel of primates should be banned, especially considering that many states where primate ownership is legal have no breeders, thus making it impossible to own a primate in said state unless you already have one. As far as I understand, this bill has been brought around by a number of "primate attacks" which have nothing to do with the animals travelling from one state to the next. This is absolutely ridiculous! That would be like banning dog, cat, or bird ownership because of aggressive animals which inflict injuries-- all too common! And, most of the time when it concerns a mammal, it is the OWNER who is at fault, not the animal! No one will be letting monkeys loose on the streets like so many dogs are. This bill does NOT need to be passed!
AmeliaPatterson
June 21, 2009, 5:22pm (report abuse)As for anyone saying that monkeys belong in the wild-- Oh, go join PETA, why don't you? Free ALL the animals that enrich our lives as humans. Dogs, cats, birds, fish, and reptiles adjust just fine. Since primates thrive on FAMILY BONDS, whether it be with another monkey of it's species or a human, the bond is still there! Most people that own monkeys keep them loose in the house and treat them as members of the family--like a child! It is not abuse. It is not injustice to the animal. It is a FAMILY. Just because the animal cannot talk or read does not mean it is "wild" especially when raised in captivity and shown human love from day one. Go preach at the dog owners who keep their dogs tied or caged. Go preach at bird owners who keep caged birds, and reptile owners who keep caged reptiles. Primates aren't going to jump off their human's shoulder and make a run for it down the street like every other animal might. They are bonded to their people and LOVE their people. Point made.
AmeliaPatterson
June 21, 2009, 5:26pm (report abuse)I do, however, feel that apes and LARGE monkeys should not be kept in captivity. Apes are far stronger than people and although they may form family bonds, they do not express themselves as we do and can cause serious injury. A smaller primate is much less likely to do that. You never hear horror stories of owning marmosets or tamarins-- It's always babboons and chimps you hear hurting people, typically because people believe that because they own it, it can coexist in their homes. What they don't count on is getting hurt if something provokes it...
Evander Holeyfeild
June 24, 2009, 5:52pm (report abuse)Everyone who thinks that this bill is right all deserve 2 get stuck out in the wild and see how easy it is to survive or even be stuck in a crappy sancuary If you agree with this bill You automatically become a huge BAG OF DOUCHE i hate you all good bye
Kennon Rose
June 29, 2009, 9:40pm (report abuse)I think it is perfectley safe for people to get primates as pets just as long as they know what there gaetting themselves into.
Stasia
July 10, 2009, 3:58pm (report abuse)I propose a different bill.
How about we outlaw captivity of any animals. While we are at it we should also outlaw christians from visiting other countries to preach their ways, because we should not mess with nature, right?
How about on top of that we outlaw all meat farms. Dang it, I love beef, but we shouldn't mess with nature.
Oh, and you know what? Lets just all become PETA members, while we're at it, and dress up like dead chickens in front of our children.
What is wrong with people that support this bill? Ugh. So irritating
Laurie
July 13, 2009, 10:19am (report abuse)Just hope that people are paying attention to ALL Bills that are being proposed! We have a few Rights left, I hope!!
Reverend Josh Taylor
July 28, 2009, 12:02pm (report abuse)This bill must pass. Primates aren't family nor pets, they're dangerous and should burn in Hell. They must be sent back to the Amazon, Kenya, Madagascar, or the Congo. All of you people are ignorant, you unsaved morons. No wonder why Jesus spoiled you. The bible says that we should hate everyone who's different.
Laurie
July 28, 2009, 10:21pm (report abuse)All animals were created by God, as told in the Bible. Get a clue?
Jessica
August 3, 2009, 9:09pm (report abuse)This is so wrong! Why punish citizens that obey the LAW!!!!
I have a small little girl! She is a major part of my family.
Andres
August 25, 2009, 7:14pm (report abuse)I do think that there should be more regulation in terms of owning a primate. They really are not meant to stay indoors their whole life, specially the ones that live in canopies in the wild, like marmosets. However, it is true that some monkeys like chimps live longer in captivity because they are taken care of by humans. One problem is that a lot of these animals are smuggled here from their natural habitat oftentimes disturbing the environment, bringing disease both to animals and humans and in many cases is cruel and even fatal. Another problem is that there is no way to regulate the treatment of these extremely delicate creatures in people's homes. I am for this bill although I think it should be more specific in terms of species.
demi waters
September 5, 2009, 10:02am (report abuse)hi
im demi & i was looking into getting a capuchin monkey but this stupid bill wont legalize me having one in my home i think its ridiculus couse animals are just like babys right they wear clothes & dipers & bottle feed so what are they gonna do next send babys into the wild to fend for themseves this law is upsetting to millions who have always dreamed of owning a monkey espeacialy my daughter who thinks her lovely baby monkey is gonna be on its way any day now + their not herting anybody so i dont get what the big problem is
they would be much better cared for in a loving home than they would be in captivity or stuch in some tree scared to come down incase they get eaten or something at least with a loving family they'd fell safe!!!
demi waters
September 5, 2009, 10:09am (report abuse)also i live in the uk & this isn't just a bill for us it's an acctual law so can anyone help me as to how i could make it legal again please help you should have seen my daughters face when i told her she could have one & then when i said she couldn't as it was illegal i have to do something fot her please please help!!
katy
September 14, 2009, 12:21am (report abuse)THIS IS TO THE GUTLAS PERSON WHO
WAS TO MUCH OF A PU--- TO PUT HIS NAME
YOUR ARE STUPID, I AM IN 5TH GRADE AND MY GRAAMMA HAS A SERVICE MONKEY TO GET A DRINK TO DO ALL THE STUFF SHE CANT BECAUSE SHE IS A QUAD, WE STUDY HELPER MONKEYS IN SCHOOL-I BET YOU STILL LIVE WITH YOUR MOM YOU AS-----
zak
September 23, 2009, 10:43pm (report abuse)i was thinking about getting a monkey- and this would completely destroy my plans, i am completely against this bill!!!!
pastmoon
September 30, 2009, 9:27am (report abuse)This is just another way to keep the people from knowing what really goes on in research labs. If people get to see and know privately owned monkeys they would outlaw reseach, and that means a lot of money lost. Most other countries have outlawed non-human primate reseach, but here it's a big money maker. With out reseach monkeys, how would they develope the next flu outbreack. I say OUTLAW RESEARCH ON NON-HUMAN PRIMATES. (Let's use our congressmen and women in their place.) Besides, where are they going to get the money to enforce this STUPID law.
FUTURE MONKEY OWNER
October 4, 2009, 2:26am (report abuse)I bet over half of you for this stupd bill don't even own a pet of any kind(THANK GOD).Not even a little kitty cat. You know why? cause you were all RATS in your past life.Oh excuse me. I'm sorry you still are.And by the way when you see me coming with my monkey , please stay far away from us, cause rats carry lots of diseases. THANKS
MARMOSET OWNER
October 10, 2009, 12:56am (report abuse)THE REASON FOR THIS BILL IS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE AFRAID OUR PET MONKEYS ARE MORE EDUCATED THAN THEY ARE AND WILL BE TAKING OVER THEIR JOBS.THEY DONT WANT TO JOIN THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINES.
.*.
October 12, 2009, 9:39am (report abuse)Jobs for monkeys! Screw the unemployed - give the monkeys jobs. They work for bananas and other fruit and don't squawk about the illegals.
UP THE MONKEY!!!
HAIL SEMOS!
Wanna Be Monkey Mamma
October 15, 2009, 10:59am (report abuse)It's not fair that I can't own a monkey where I live because it's literally all I've wanted to have since I was a little girl. These laws make since if they were harmful but if it's raised well, I believe just like any other animal, it will be fine. I'm considering moving out of the country due to these laws and the many others that is being placed these days. We're getting deeper in dept and in recession then doing any good. I'm sick of these stupid people running things.
me from pa
October 15, 2009, 11:06am (report abuse)i disagree and want a monkey more then anything, but it's banned. :/
.*.
October 16, 2009, 5:18pm (report abuse)Veterans suck! All they want is more, more, more.
Save the monkeys.
alina
October 19, 2009, 11:18pm (report abuse)this will make monkey owners a prisioner in our own state