What is going on with so-called ‘pet’ monkeys? Nonhuman primates are wild animals who should NOT be people’s pets. Keeping them in such situations is exploitation, which sacrifices their well-being and poses a danger to the public. That’s why legislation is needed to end the primate pet trade. Fortunately, a renewed effort is underway to do just that!

Primates kept as pets suffer tremendously. They are often taken from their mothers soon after birth and kept isolated, unable to live in social groups and develop relationships as they would in the wild. Being denied these important social interactions in the first months and years of their lives causes psychological trauma, leaving scars that carry into adulthood.

Sanctuaries supported by AAVS are often called upon to rescue animals from the pet trade, entertainment industry, and other abusive situations, straining their valuable resources and making it more difficult to provide refuge to animals relinquished from labs.

That’s why AAVS, along with other animal groups, believes that a federal bill prohibiting the primate pet trade is the best way forward. Unfortunately, the Captive Primate Safety Act, introduced in the 2021-2022 Congress, did not pass, but the Animal Welfare Institute’s article at the link below makes the case for it to be reintroduced. Check it out and when the time is right, we will help you reach out to your members of Congress.