Also these groups make it seem that all primate owners own 200 LB chimpanzees. This is far from true. 90% or more of primates kept as pets are under 30 lbs, with the most common species being capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and marmosets all weighing less than 10lbs. Chimpnazees cost over $60,000 so there cost is prohibitive in itself. Many states already ban the ownership of apes as pets.

This law is not really enforceable (who is going to follow a pet monkey owner across state lines?). The CPSA will increase government spending yet it will not ban ownership, it will not stop bites, and even if it did is a minor monkey bite really worth $500,000 in enforcement? It will only hamper the ability of RESPONSIBLE Primate owners from caring for their pet. It is hard to predict what life changes may occur in 20-45 years. Perhaps an owner needs to relocate to another state for a job, care for elderly family member, etc. Or an owner had purchased a retirement home in another legal state. If the CPSA passes that person would have to re-home their pet or euthanize it. They would not be able to continue caring for their bonded pet.

The federal government is being brainwashed by special interest Animal Rights groups, furthering their agenda of no animal use. The government is meddling into the private lives of law abiding citizens, making felons out of hard-working citizens. A person traveling with their pet monkey would now be a felon and sit in a prison cell along side murderers, rapists, and the like. Come on people. It is one thing to set fair regulation regarding exotics, but banning them and making felons out of otherwise responsible pet owners because they want to continue caring for their pet is ludicrous. I really hope our legislature wakes up and focuses on more important issues than regulating what pets people can have, and limiting where they can travel with their pet.

To be fair, of course dog attacks are more common than primate attacks — dogs as pets are far more common than primates as pets. People need to remember that chimps and other primates are wild animals, and simply raising it among humans does not change that. I’m NOT implying that wild animals are naturally vicious. I’m just saying that they are not domesticated — and what exactly that means seems to be lost on a lot of people.

The sad fate of chimps in Hollywood is well known. Every adorable chimp you’ve ever seen on film is a young chimp — once they become adults they become too difficult to manage and usually end up as research animals.

It SHOULD be difficult for an individual to acquire a wild animal. They were not bred to fit neatly around our lives like dogs and cats were. They are very high maintenance pets, and usually have very specific dietary and emotional needs. It’s great that people love wild animals — so do I — but be realistic. Don’t turn them into something they aren’t. Love them for what they are, not for what you want them to be.