February 26th, 2009 by admin
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation that would prohibit interstate and foreign commerce in nonhuman primates (chimpanzees, monkeys, lemurs and others) for the pet trade. The “Captive Primate Safety Act” passed with a vote of 323-95*.
Last week’s horrible incident in Connecticut in which a chimpanzee was shot and killed after he mauled a friend of his owner was more evidence that these animals should not be pets.
This week in a letter to the editor, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto wrote about the danger of exotic pets, “Florida banned possession of primates as pets in 1980. Florida authorities recognized the need for the prohibition after a series of attacks here during the 1970s. However, there are still many exotic pets in this state…. people across the country should think twice about whether they want to share space with a chimpanzee or other animal that is quite capable of injuring or killing a human being.”
You Can Help
The “Captive Primate Safety Act” (S. 462) has now been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Please contact Florida’s U.S. Senators and urge them to support this common-sense legislation.
Contact:U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Phone: (202) 224-5274
Online comment form.U.S. Senator Mel Martinez
Phone: (202) 224-3041
Online comment form.
*The following Florida U.S. Representatives were in the minority who voted against the bill: Ginny Brown-Waite, Ander Crenshaw, Connie Mack, Jeff Miller, Bill Posey, Adam Putnam. If you live in their district, please let them know you are disappointed with their vote.
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