Help Ensure Chimp Retirement is Permanent
Update: Bill Passed 12/26/07

In 1999, the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) was instrumental in aiding the development of the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection (CHIMP) Act, legislation that established a retirement system for chimpanzees no longer needed in research. After passing both the House and Senate by unanimous consent, the final version of the bill was signed into law in December 2000. Unfortunately, the bill did not call for the permanent retirement of chimpanzees and permitted the removal of chimps for use in research if certain criteria were met.

However, early this year, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), along with Senators David Vitter (R-LA) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA), introduced the Chimp Haven is Home Act (S.1916 & H.R.3295), which would make chimpanzee retirement permanent. Specifically, the bill aims to modify "the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes."

Over 100 chimps are currently living at Chimp Haven in Keithville, Louisiana, the sanctuary established specifically to provide a home for retired chimpanzees. "This legislation will protect those chimps in their retirement and ensure they will no longer be used for research," said Senator Burr. "Providing these animals with permanent protection will give animal welfare groups and other organizations peace of mind in partnering with Chimp Haven."

Playing an important role in the drafting of the original version of the CHIMP Act, AAVS is thrilled that the Chimp Haven is Home Act will make chimpanzee retirement permanent. Many of these animals have been exploited in unimaginable ways, subject to invasive procedures, all in the name of biomedical research, and we have a responsibility to ensure their well-being continues to be protected throughout their retirement.

What You Can Do:
Please contact your federal Senators and Representative and ask them to support the Chimp Haven is Home Act. Tell them that these chimpanzees have endured much suffering in their former lives as research subjects and that it is unfair to leave them vulnerable to further laboratory exploitation. Urge your legislators to make chimpanzee retirement permanent! To find the name and contact information of your Senators and Representative, please visit www.Congress.org.