My daughter (19 months old at the time) was attacked by my neighbor's monkey last year. It was a traumatic experience not just for her but for our entire family. When we contacted the local authorities, hoping for some form of intervention or justice, we were met with inaction. Despite our pleas, the police stated that they couldn’t do anything to address the situation. We were left feeling vulnerable and unheard, and our daughter, terrified by the ordeal, constantly worries for her safety in our own home.

The situation far worsened when the very same monkey attacked another person recently. Shockingly, despite repeated incidents, there is still no legal framework in place to address such dangerous situations involving primates in our community. The authorities again responded with inaction, citing the lack of specific legislation to deal with monkey attacks effectively.

This issue isn't just about my family. It's about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community who may fall victim to similar attacks. As our community grows, the ownership of exotic pets like monkeys has become increasingly common, raising serious safety concerns. Without a governing "monkey law," our community remains vulnerable to such escalating dangers.

We need to enact a "monkey law" in Missouri  that protects citizens from attacks by non-domestic animals like monkeys. The law should include mandatory registration of such pets, regular health and safety checks, and a clear action plan for local authorities when incidents occur. Moreover, the law should impose strict penalties on negligent owners whose pets cause harm to others.

According to the Humane Society, the ownership of wild animals is inherently dangerous. Monkeys, in particular, can become aggressive once they reach maturity, leading to unpredictable and potentially harmful behavior. It is time that our community acknowledges these risks and implements firm measures to protect its citizens.

By supporting this petition, you are helping safeguard our community from future attacks. It's crucial that our state legislators see the need for protective measures and act swiftly. Stand with us in demanding a "monkey law" to prevent further incidents, ensuring a safe environment for all.

Please sign this petition to call on Missouri lawmakers to draft and enforce legislation that addresses the safety concerns posed by private monkey ownership. Let's work together to prevent future tragedies and ensure accountability.