Yes, primates of all kinds are adorable, especially when dressed in human clothes and perform all the cute little tricks we would have taught them. But let`s be clear: it`s really, really not a good idea to buy a pet monkey. Read on to find out why: Did you know that wild apes exist in the United States? Although native to Asia, these approximately 300 rhesus monkeys live in Florida`s Silver Spring State Park and carry a deadly strain of the herpes B virus. One of these monkeys caused a sensation — and gained a number of fans — while walking around Tampa Bay. Romanian agriculture and livestock are very important in terms of employment, employing 30% of the labour force in 2010 (compared to only 4% in the euro area). This is directly related to the country`s production systems and the difficulties of comprehensive regulation. For example, a 2010 report by the National Authority for Health, Veterinary and Food Safety points out that most of the guidelines and rules for pig farming were developed to combat illegal pork trade, which did not need to be quantified and monitored at the time of writing. Therefore, it appears that the particular economic conditions of the country may constitute an obstacle to the improvement of animal welfare measures with regard to farmed animals. The numerous exceptions provided for in Chapter I of the Annex to Council Directive 2008/120/EC allow mutilation of piglets to be carried out without stunning. The use of anesthetics is prescribed only for castration, which occurs in a piglet at least 7 days old. The mutilation of piglets is extremely cruel, and these exceptions create a loophole that allows for the inhumane treatment of farm animals.
And if a human treats a monkey like a pet instead of a wild animal, they shouldn`t be surprised if the monkey behaves in ways that humans might find unpleasant. Expecting a monkey to conform to the norms of human society is neither normal nor likely. Leahy also warned that primates often defecate and urinate «whenever and wherever they want, including on your kitchen cabinets.» The monkeys will also «spread smelly substances on their bodies and others will throw feces on humans.» But these behaviors are gentle compared to the destruction that a bored and trapped monkey can unleash on your home furniture. Say goodbye to the freshly padded sofa! But even in places where the possession of exotic animals is prohibited by law, people sometimes buy these creatures at auction or from other people, according to Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute. «We believe that keeping monkeys as pets is simply cruel and, no matter what difficulties the owner or their family faces, will always cause some degree of suffering to the individual monkey,» Tyson says. «Simply put, a human home can never provide an environment in which a monkey can thrive.» «Even monkeys that are relatively fortunate enough to eventually be relocated to a sanctuary where they have the opportunity to live with others of their own species may find life with other monkeys extremely frightening at first, as they have been denied the opportunity to learn appropriate social skills in their childhood and childhood,» Tyson explains. According to Tyson, monkeys raised by human owners in unnatural habitats often experience a number of serious physical health problems, including stunted growth and osteoporosis (a type of bone disease). The EU Good Zoo Practice Directive (2015), although not legally binding, aims to help practitioners and Member States implement the spirit and requirements of the above-mentioned Council Directive (1999).
The guideline provides recommendations on key aspects of animal health and welfare in the zoo environment, such as temperature, pen size and installation, and noise. Several UK-based groups have lobbied to ban primate ownership; The Primate Society of Great Britain completely opposes the pet ownership of non-human primates, according to a 2014 statement. In the United States, the Jane Goodall Institute, HSUS and the American Society of Primatologists – as well as a number of zoological and veterinary organizations – oppose private ownership of primates, including monkeys. Born Free USA, which operates a 186-acre (75-hectare) primate sanctuary and works to end wildlife exploitation, also supports an end to the exotic animal trade. Australia is home to many exotic animals, but has strict restrictions on importing animals. Monkeys are not allowed to be owned as pets and are subject to hefty fines. Illegal possession under national environmental legislation is punishable by imprisonment for five years and/or a fine of up to AUD 210,000. Zoos can still apply for a special permit, but these permits are very restrictive as a verification process for anyone who wants to bend the rules. Everything from lifestyle to the overall effects of separation from their mother, all of these factors can have devastating effects on a pet monkey`s physical and mental well-being.
Mexico, which is also home to some species of monkeys native to the Central American region, has very loose laws for exotic animals (in this case, monkeys). Anyone can keep exotic animals under Mexican law – but they must come from breeders accredited by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The trade in legally acquired exotic animals has been condemned as inhumane by many animal advocates because these animals are kept in tiny homes. It has also been reported that many drug traffickers in the region are among those who benefit from these industries, and many of them have no regulations (grey market) that protect animals. «For example, some primates are susceptible to measles, and the virus that causes cold sores in humans can be deadly to smaller primates,» says Leahy. «Irresponsible monkey owners who take their pets to shops, banks, parks, restaurants and other public facilities endanger not only the public, but also the health of their primate.» Many countries have different restrictions on whether individuals can legally own pet monkeys. In the United States, restrictions apply from state to state. Most states that allow private ownership of primates require a license to legally possess. If you live in the United States, the FindLaw website provides a list of each state`s restrictions.
In the UK, it is currently legal to own a pet monkey, but you will need a permit. The government has been debating bans for a decade. The Eurogroup`s website for animals contains a list of pet ownership laws in other European countries. This type of relationship between a pet monkey and a human owner is completely at odds with how primates are raised in zoos or sanctuaries.