CURRENT LAWS CONCERNING PRIMATE OWERSHIP
Laws
concerning primate ownership vary from state to state and new
legislation is on-going. Keep in mind as well that some states with no
specific laws regarding primate ownership, may have municipal zoning
laws. Any level of government can enforce codes restricting primate
ownership. It would be impossible for breeders to be aware of
regulations in every municipality, so it's your responsibility to do your homework before obtaining a primate.
I
did learn that even states regulating private ownership of primates, do
have exceptions in cases of primates considered therapy animals,
service animals or helping hands. Check with your municipality and get it in writing.
If you take a short cut and rely on a phone call, you can expect one of
two things: The person will either be completely clueless or bark out
an abrupt "absolutely not" the instant you utter the word primate. Simply inquire as to where you can find your State's animal ordinances regarding exotic pets and/or list of banned species.
States with no restrictions for private possession of nonhuman primates:
Alabama,
Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri,Nebraska, Nevada
(has new legislation), North Carolina (new legislation in work), North
Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington (several municipal
regulations that vary greatly from county to county and new legislation
in work), West Virginia, Wisconsin
States which require a State or FDA permit: Delaware, Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Dakota.
States which ban entirely the private possession of all nonhuman primates:
California,
Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New
York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Utah, Vermont and Wyoming. Montana (grandfather clause in place for prior owners)
States which have partial bans (bans on specific species of primates): Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
States which ban specific species of nonhuman primates and/or require FDA permits and certification for others: Florida and Texas.
State which requires either being a licensed sanctuary or getting bonded to possess nonhuman primates: Hawaii
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