DEP, Attorney General Propose Legislation Banning Private Ownership Of Chimps, Other Dangerous Animals

March 6, 2009

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced legislation prohibiting private ownership of chimpanzees and other wild animals and strengthening criminal and civil penalties for illegal animal possession.

The legislation comes in the wake of last month's tragic chimp attack in Stamford.

In addition to chimps, the bill bans private ownership of other primates, alligators, kangaroos, wolverines, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, elephants and certain dangerous snakes, including pythons.

The bill makes violations of the law, currently an infraction, a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,000 fine. It also increases the civil penalty from $1,000 to $2,000 a day.

Blumenthal said, "Wild animals belong in the wild -- their natural habitat or sanctuaries, not suburban homes. No matter how domesticated they may seem, they remain highly dangerous -- driven by natural instinct to destroy or disable any perceived threat. A woman has been disfigured and probably disabled for life because of a horrific attack that could have been prevented by this ban. We seek a prohibition -- not permits -- for potentially dangerous exotic animals. The law must have real penalties that deter possession and protect the public."

McCarthy said, "There are a number of animals that make good pets; however, regardless of the good intention of individuals, there are a number of animals which are simply not suitable as pets. These animals belong in zoos or other public institutions for public viewing where they can receive proper medical treatment and have their dietary needs met in a safe and controlled manner."

Blumenthal added, "Our state law is unconscionably lax -- imposing no real restrictions on wild and possibly perilous animals in homes. Current state law contains no meaningful standards regarding the keeping of many such potentially dangerous wild animals including primates -- whose potential for violence can be very uncertain. Legislative action is imperative to protect the interests of the public, as well as animals."

McCarthy added, "In light of the horrific incident in Stamford, the DEP is hopeful that legislation will pass quickly in this session and greatly minimize the likelihood of another tragic incident happening in Connecticut."

The bill would not prevent properly licensed or accredited zoos, nature centers and research and educational facilities from acquiring and keeping primates and other animals.

The proposed legislation will be presented Monday to the Environment Committee.