To the editor: The current case of a younger spider monkey rescued throughout a drug bust in Vallejo highlights the pressing have to ban the merciless and harmful pet primate commerce on this nation (“Baby spider monkey rescued from suspected meth dealer’s home. Now, a new life awaits,” Might 17). Though we have no idea the background of this specific monkey, there was an alarming improve in stories of toddler spider monkeys smuggled throughout our southern border in current months, pushed by People’ insatiable demand for pet monkeys.
Poachers slaughter mom spider monkeys within the wild after which steal their infants, shoving them into packing containers, luggage and automobile trunks for a brutal journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. Upon arrival, these criminals try and smuggle the animals into the USA to provide the authorized and profitable unique pet commerce. This kind of wildlife trafficking typically happens inside felony networks that are also responsible for drug, weapons and human trafficking, threatening our nationwide safety.
The not too long ago launched federal Captive Primate Security Act, co-led by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) with 5 different California co-sponsors, would prohibit personal possession of nonhuman primates to guard each these animals and the general public. We should move this laws now to maintain these monkeys within the wild — the place they belong.
Kate Dylewsky, Washington, D.C.
This author is the assistant authorities affairs director for the Animal Welfare Institute.
