Federal: Protect Nonhuman Primates--Support the Captive Primate Safety Act

As many people know, there are often times '"loopholes" in government policies and laws. However, the loophole that exists in the trading of primates. Current legislation prohibits the importing of primates for pets. However, it does not prohibit primates already in the U.S from being soled through interstate commerce as pets. Fortunately, if there is enough support for the Captive Primate Safety Act this loophole can be closed. This loophole must be corrected to prevent cruelty to primates as well as prevent the the dangers that primates pose for humans.

• What is being done to primates?

Primates are being sold as pets in the U.S. The problem is that many of these "pet owners" do not know how to properly care for a primate. As infants, they are more cooperative, but as they age they often become aggressive. Most handlers do not have the proper education or training with how to deal with them. They are an animal that requires constant interaction and must be occupied or will become bored, depressed, and act out in consequence. They need ample amounts of room for exercising and having the ability to swing and have companionship with other primates. For the most part, as pets they are not given these opportunities, which creates dangers for the people caring for them as well as making the primates life miserable.

• What risks do humans have from the loophole that exists?

Unfortunately, primates are known to carry several diseases, including the following:

1. Ebola virus
2. Herpes B virus
3. Monkey pox
4. Simian immunodeficiency virus
5. Tuberculosis
6. Yellow fever

Obviously, allowing people to care for primates as pets can cause serious health risks. The spreading of these diseases would be quite easy as it was mentioned that primates can and often do become more aggressive as they age when they do not have proper care. Wounds may be inflicted through biting and scratching, which would allow these diseases to be transmitted.

• What can be done?

The Act must be supported. In order to prevent the tormenting conditions that the primates endure, as well as the health risks they provide for humans, primates should not be kept as simple house pets. There is no reason for them to live in captive conditions when they could be living free in the jungle. There is no reason for humans to have to worry about obtaining diseases from primates. End the torment and support the Captive Primate Act. Simply go to the ASPCA website at https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2223 and submit a form that is already filled out that shows your support.

All information regarding the use of primates as pets and the potential risks of this activity were found at the ASPCA website.