PETA asks county to ban exotic animals
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on December 13, 2006 1:45 PM
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sent a letter to the Wayne County Commissioners urging them to ban the private possession of exotic animals.
The letter is in response the reported escape of a captive female Japanese snow monkey in the county. The animal is still on the loose.
"The time for Wayne County to act is now. In order to prevent animal suffering and ensure public health and safety, we urge you to quickly enact legislation prohibiting the private possession of dangerous wild animals,"the letter states.
PETA officials said private ownership of exotic animals is often harmful to animals and dangerous to the public. Monkeys and other primates can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans.