The Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 2856/S.1463) would prohibit the interstate commerce of primates in the exotic "pet" trade. We need your help to ensure that this bill receives the attention it deserves in Congress!

Roughly half of all states already prohibit private possession of primates as pets, but primates are easily obtained via the Internet and through out-of-state dealers and auctions, making federal legislation necessary to support the efforts of state law enforcement.

The trade in pet primates greatly compromises animal welfare and poses grave dangers to human health and safety. Primates are strong and can be aggressive. As documented in Born Free USA’s exotic animal incidents database, since 1990, more than 200 people — including dozens of children — have been injured by primates. One well-known case happened in 2009, when a pet chimpanzee mauled a woman nearly to death in Connecticut. Primates also pose disease risks, including transmission of Ebola, tuberculosis, and herpes B.

Born Free USA is particularly passionate about this bill because of our work running the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in Texas, which has taken in countless primates rescued from inappropriate “pet” situations. Please sign this petition to urge members of Congress to act on this bill without delay!