MONKEYS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
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"Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be."
William Hazlitt
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Let's face it. Monkeys are uncommon and interesting and people are understandably fascinated when you go out in public. You have to learn to exercise extreme caution if you chose to do so. People will be clamoring to see and touch and it will be almost impossible to control the situation. The ensuing noise and commotion can quickly get out of hand. The monkey will become agitated and the situation is just a perfect storm for something to go horribly wrong. For your protection and the safety of your monkey I strongly suggest that you just avoid contact between your monkey and the general public. Laws in the U.S. regarding primates differs greatly from those regarding other domestic pets such as dogs and cats. Know this: If your primate so much as scratches a person, even by accident, with no aggressive intent, the quarantine restrictions are the same as if it had delivered a bite wound. Your monkey can be confiscated, quarantined and tested for rabies. From that point on, the fate of your companion is in the hands of whatever Animal Control bureaucrat seized him. Be aware that the state can arbitrarily choose to euthanize your pet for no other reason than quarantining was inconvenient and possible liabilities posed a risk. Neither his senseless death nor your unbearable pain of loss will be of any consequence. Although there has to date been not one reported case of rabies from a monkey to a human in the U.S., the attitude and ignorance on the part of those in charge will seal his fate. Even if you have written proof of health from a veterinarian stating that your animal does not have rabies, there is no FDA approved rabies vaccine for primates (ironic in that human rabies vaccine is tested on primates). Aside from the loss of your precious pet, litigation (however frivolous) can put your entire life on hold....someone can choose to sue you for everything you own. Please do yourself and your baby a favor. Do not allow contact with the general public and permit strangers, particularly children to play with your monkey. The most seemingly harmless incident can forever alter your life.... and very possibly end his.
In the event this warning doesn't resonate, please take the time to read the "Tribute to Wyatt" here on the Monkeykisses site. This story is truly heartbreaking and very bluntly addresses they consequences of taking a chance "just this once". Hopefully it will scare you enough to protect your baby like never before.
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