Memorandum submitted by the International
Primate Protection League (UK)
1. ENTERTAINMENT
Most species of monkeys and apes have lengthy
maturation periods. Their effective use for entertainment and
advertising is in infancy and pre-adolescence. The premature deprivation
of maternal care for training purposes is highly detrimental and
compromises rehabilitation and breeding potential.
Chimpanzees and capuchins have a natural life-span
up to 55 years and most monkey species approximately 20 years.
The fate of ex-entertainment primates is usually either an early
death or placement with a rescue centre.
Recommendation:
A total ban on use of primates in entertainment,
including advertising.
At the very least the user should provide a
pension fund for after care.
2. TRADING
Pets should not be available for impulse buying.
We are repeatedly asked to find homes for monkeys that have been
acquired without awareness of the problems and the dangers involved.
Frequently, it is the arrival of a human baby that produces the
crisis situation.
Recommendation:
Exotic species should not be sold through pet
fairs, advertisements and agents for shadowy breeders. The high
prices that are being achieved attract thefts and unregulated
dealing.
3. CRUELTY
It is illogical that different definitions apply
according to usage.
Causing unnecessary suffering is not acceptable
in any context.
Laboratories should be included in the provisions
of the Act.
4. PENALTIES
These need to be more clearly specified. Some
Courts have imposed lenient penalties and have ordered the return
of animals that had been subjected to unnecessary suffering.
5. PROVISION
Confiscated, unwanted and/or abandoned animals
find refuge with animal sanctuaries. For exotics the provision
of acceptable facilities and lifelong maintenance (for decades)
is costly and dependant upon limited resources. There should be
a funding route that places responsibility upon the prior owner
to make a contribution towards costs.
Recommendation:
Contribution to an endowment fund could be an
additional penalty to be imposed upon guilty or thoughtless parties
who create the after-care requirement.
20 August 2004
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