Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025

The Captive Primate Safety Act would amend the Lacey Act to prohibit private individuals from owning nonhuman primates such as monkeys, apes, lemurs, and other species. The bill would ban the breeding, sale, and interstate trade of primates for the pet trade. However, the legislation includes exemptions for accredited zoos, research facilities, and animal sanctuaries. Individuals who currently own primates would be allowed to keep their animals but would be required to register them with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days of the law's enactment, and would be prohibited from breeding, selling, or allowing public contact with their animals.

Proponents argue the bill addresses both animal welfare and public safety concerns. They contend that primates cannot thrive in home environments, suffer from isolation and improper care, and pose serious health and safety risks to people. Supporters note that primates can transmit diseases to humans and have caused documented injuries. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It would need to pass both the House and Senate and receive presidential approval to become law.