Senator Boxer: Protecting Primates

June 20 , 2007

I recently introduced legislation to promote humane treatment of primates and to protect public health and safety. The bill seeks to end interstate and foreign commerce in monkeys, chimpanzees, and other primates for the exotic pet trade.

The Captive Primate Safety Act, S.1498, provides a sensible approach to both the humane and public health problems posed by the trade of primates as pets.  Monkeys, chimpanzees, lemurs and other primates can pose a significant public health risk as carriers of dangerous diseases. 

Primates are dangerous as pets because they are wild animals, not bred for captivity. This does not mean that primates are not valuable creatures in their wild environments or in well-regulated captive situations. They are simply wild animals, ill-equipped to adapt to the alien world of humans. Keeping primates happy and healthy in captivity is difficult, expensive, time-consuming and dangerous to those who attempt it. Pet primates are often held in small cages, with improper nutrition, and often have teeth removed to make them less dangerous. My bill would restrict the interstate trade of pet primates but would have no effect on the transportation of animals for zoos and licensed research facilities. A similar law was enacted in 2003 for lions, tigers, and other big cats.

I am proud that this legislation is championed by the Humane Society of the United States and supported by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Wildlife Conservation Society and many other organizations.  I look forward to working with all my colleagues to enact this legislation.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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