Four months ago, the couple fled before authorities showed up at their home for an inspection, and since then they have been hiding with their monkeys – all locked in the RV. “Many of us want to go extinct and have our own community where we can keep our monkeys safe,” said Ann Newman, owner of seven monkeys in Arkansas and president of the Simian Society of America, a group of members for monkey lovers. On April 20, 2006, the LWFC passed regulations that make it illegal to import, possess, buy or sell non-human primate species in the state. [4] The following establishments are exempt from the ban: monkeys are wild animals; They are not suitable for domestication as pets. Many states that allow them as pets have lengthy application processes and expensive adhesive requirements. For example, Florida requires the candidate to be of a certain age – at least 16 years old to own some monkeys and 18 years old for others – and that he has 1,000 hours of volunteering with monkeys under his belt, receives letters of recommendation and passes a written exam. In addition, there are special requirements for the size of the land on which the habitat is built, as well as for the construction of the habitat itself. Keep in mind that many municipalities and counties have their pet monkey laws that can ban monkeys even in states where there is no ban. In addition, homeowners` associations usually regulate pet ownership, as well as owners` insurance policies. It is imperative that you review all of your local and state laws regarding the keeping of exotic animals before making a decision that will lead to broken hearts when authorities come to confiscate your furry friend. Monkeys belong to nature, a fact that many lawmakers already recognize. Many others come in. Louisiana has no laws or regulations that set minimum standards for housing or caring for monkeys in zoos.
However, AZA accredited facilities must house and care for their animals in accordance with AZA minimum standards. Even non-accredited zoos may have specific accommodation and care requirements under their LDWF license. In addition, all zoos are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Federal Animal Welfare Act[39] and must comply with federal minimum standards for primate care. In addition, the state`s general anti-cruelty laws require all zoos (and other custodians) to provide their animals with adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. See section IIC above. Finally, article 102.20 of the Penal Code of State Zoos makes it illegal to transmit their unwanted animals to a person who kills the animal or animals for sporting purposes. Denham Springs 18-146 ff.: It is illegal to keep wild or exotic animals as pets within the city limits. It is illegal for anyone, with the exception of zoos and veterinary clinics, to keep wild or exotic animals for exhibition or exhibition. Any person who offers for sale a wild or exotic animal must display a prominent sign stating at the point of sale: “No person may affix to carnivorous mammals, that is to say live monkeys (non-human primates), raccoons, skunks, wolves, squirrels, foxes, leopards, panthers or pumas, tigers, lions, lynx or any other warm-blooded animal, venomous snake, tarantula, crocodile or alligator, normally found in the wild. (Code 1987, § 4:201 et seq.) Louisiana has no laws or regulations that set minimum standards for monkey housing and care.
If the FLDM issues property permits to non-accredited zoos, sanctuaries, educational institutions, and circuses outside the state, this may include specific minimum standards for care as licensing conditions. In addition, virtually all entities authorized to own monkeys under state law (with the exception of people who keep “grandfather” monkeys) are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Federal Animal Welfare Act and must comply with minimum standards for primate care. While the state does not have its own enforceable minimum standards for the care of monkeys, it does have a variety of laws that hold owners and owners criminally and/or civilly responsible for the neglect, abuse, or improper captivity of these animals. Under the state`s general anti-cruelty laws, it is illegal for any animal keeper not to provide an animal with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Any person (with the exception of certain researchers) who mistreats an animal and causes unnecessary or unjustifiable pain is also liable to criminal prosecution and confiscation of the animal sacrifice(s). While these laws are generally intended to protect animals, other laws are designed to protect the public from irresponsible pet owners and keepers. For example, if a poorly detained or restrained monkey (or other animal) injures or kills a person, the owner of the animal can be sued for “negligent injury” or “negligent homicide.” According to the State Civil Code, the owner of an improperly imprisoned or controlled monkey (or other animal) that injures a person or causes property damage is usually responsible for compensating victims for injuries and damage caused by the animal. As of April 20, 2006, it is generally illegal for anyone (except accredited zoos, research institutes, and Chimp Haven) to import, possess, buy, or sell monkeys in Louisiana. Some non-accredited zoos, accredited nature reserves, and out-of-state circuses may import and possess these animals with appropriate state and federal permits. In addition, people who legally owned monkeys immediately before April 20, 2006 can keep these monkeys for the rest of the animals` lives with an LDWF permit, subject to certain restrictions and legal requirements. It is important to note that anyone who can legally import or possess monkeys under state law is also subject to a variety of federal and local laws that may restrict or further regulate these activities.
The Clarks got their first monkey – Tina Marie – more than 10 years ago from a woman who couldn`t take care of the animal. Under Section 115 of the LWFC Regulations, it is generally illegal to import, possess, buy, or sell monkeys (or other non-human primates) in Louisiana. Zoos accredited or certified by the AZA are exempt from the ban. Currently, three institutions in Louisiana are eligible for this exemption: alexandria Zoological Park (Alexandria), Audubon Zoo (New Orleans) and BREC Baton Rouge Zoo (Baton Rouge). [38] Zoos not accredited by the AZA may also be exempted if they hold a LWF permit to possess a monkey and meet all permit conditions. See Section II AI above. When Clark spoke recently, the adorable monkeys watched from their cages. With their hands gripping the cage bars, a few of the hyper and super curious furry creatures – capable of making lightning-fast vertical jumps – barely moved and gurgled softly.
The RV is a far cry from the DeRidder house, which has two monkey game rooms and a large outdoor enclosure. Davidson said the right steps had been taken in these cases. In one case, the owner of the monkey did not have a permit; In another case, a snow monkey allegedly bit a girl in the hand and in the third case, the owners violated their licensing requirements. “It`s like someone walks into your house and takes your kids with her,” donita Clark said, flipping through files of photos, written testimonies and documents she had collected from injured monkey owners. Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish 14:300 ff.: “Intent: The City Council notes and declares that wild or exotic animals often pose a serious threat to human health and safety and can cause serious damage to the environment. These animals have very specific biological requirements that are best met in their natural environment. If it is necessary to keep them in captivity, they must be under the supervision of qualified zoological caregivers or competent professionals.
