News Releases:
U.S. House of Representatives passes bill to stop the trade of primates as “pets”
Washington, DC — Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA) applauded today’s Congressional passage of the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 2964). The bill, championed by Born Free USA and The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS), prohibits interstate and international movement of nonhuman primates if they are to be kept as “pets.” The Act is sponsored by Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
Animal advocacy group calls for investigation into deadly snake dumping in N.C.
Jacksonville, N.C. — Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA) today publicly challenged the unfounded reports that it released two Monocled cobras in a North Carolina neighborhood. Despite the discovery of a flyer from someone who had lost two Monocled cobras in the area, reports quoted unidentified “officials” who allegedly claimed the snakes had been purposefully released by Born Free USA.
Animal Protection Groups Ask Federal Court to Halt Ringling Bros.’ Cruel Chaining and Confinement of Endangered Asian Elephants
Washington, D.C. — Today, a coalition of animal protection organizations and a former Ringling Bros. employee asked a federal district court in Washington D.C. to immediately order a halt to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (Ringling Bros.)’s cruel practice of shackling and confining endangered Asian elephants for days on end in a manner that prevents them from walking or even turning around in place.
California man mauled to death by Grizzly bear used in Hollywood films
Sacramento, CA — A 39-year-old Hollywood animal trainer, Stephan Miller, was mauled to death yesterday by a Grizzly bear that had recently been featured in the Will Ferrell movie, Semi-Pro. The 5-year-old bear named Rocky attacked and killed the man during a training session. Reports indicate the Mr. Miller died from a massive neck wound at his cousin Randy Miller’s Predators in Action private breeding facility in the San Bernardino Mountains.
California Animal Association announces 2007 legislators of the year
Sacramento, CA — The California Animal Association (CAA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2007 Legislator of the Year award: Senator Sheila James Kuehl (D-23) and Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-11).
Officials to confiscate animals from embattled Ohio exotic animal owner
Akron, OH — Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA) is applauding a Summit County judge’s order to permanently confiscate exotic wild animals being kept in deplorable conditions by Lorenza Pearson, owner of L&L Exotics Animal Farm (L&L Exotics) in Copley Township, OH. Judge Judy Hunter also permanently banned Pearson from possessing exotic animals.
Monkey killing sparks new calls for legislation banning the keeping of nonhuman primates as pets in Michigan
Detroit, MI — Following the needless killing of a pet monkey named Mikey by Wayne County officials over the weekend, Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA), a national animal advocacy organization, is calling upon Michigan legislators to ban the keeping of nonhuman primates as pets in Michigan. Mikey was killed after he bit a young girl while being walked in public on a leash.
Stay of execution urged for monkey who bit child
Trenton, MI — Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA), a national animal advocacy organization, is calling upon public health officials to publicly declare that they will not kill Mikey, the monkey who bit a six-year-old Trenton girl earlier this week. The monkey’s owner was walking him on a leash outside a church when the incident occurred.
