Support the Captive Primate Safety Act to protect wildlife and communities

End the cruel and dangerous trade in pet primates >>

Despite serious animal welfare and safety concerns, the cruel and dangerous trade in “pet” primates remains active in the U.S. and around the world. But a bipartisan bill now making its way through Congress—the Captive Primate Safety Act (CPSA)—would end this abuse by prohibiting the private possession, breeding, and trade of nonhuman primates outside of qualified facilities.

Primates like spider monkeys, chimpanzees, lemurs, and gibbons are wild animals, not pets. They are intelligent, sensitive, and social beings with complex needs that no private home can meet.

Kept in isolation, many suffer from psychological trauma and physical neglect. Others endure painful or misguided attempts to “tame” them. This isn’t just harmful to the animals; it also puts people and communities at risk.

The “pet” primate trade also drives international wildlife trafficking, pushing wild populations toward extinction.

We can stop this.

Add your name now to send our pre-drafted letter urging Congress to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act and keep vulnerable primates safe.

Dear {contact_data~salutation},

As your constituent, I urge you to support the Captive Primate Safety Act (CPSA), H.R. 3199/S. 1594, a bill to protect primates from the cruel and destructive exotic pet trade and promote public safety. The CPSA would prohibit the private possession, breeding, and trade of nonhuman primates outside of qualified facilities—protecting animals, people, and public health.

Despite serious animal welfare and safety concerns, the inhumane and dangerous trade in “pet” primates remains active in the U.S. Private ownership results in lifelong suffering for primates and serious threats to people. Primates are wild animals whose needs cannot be met in private households and who suffer physically and emotionally when kept in isolation. They are often abused in an effort to make them more suitable for domestic life, sometimes enduring painful mutilation.

Keeping primates as pets is not only inhumane—it poses a serious public safety risk. More than 300 dangerous incidents involving pet primates have been documented across the U.S., including attacks leading to near-fatal injuries. Many more likely go unreported. In addition, living in close quarters with primates increases the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases to people.

The “pet” primate trade also drives international wildlife trafficking, pushing wild populations toward extinction.

It’s time to end the private ownership of primates as pets. Please stand up for wildlife and public safety by supporting H.R. 3199/S. 1594 through cosponsorship, and ensure it receives a committee hearing and markup.

Sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}
{user_data~Email}
{user_data~ZIP}

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End the cruel and dangerous trade in pet primates >>

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