Legislation to Protect and Ensure the Welfare of Apes

October 15, 2008|Sandrella Morrisson
In 2008, Arcus Foundation consultant, Sandrella Morrisson, researched the existing federal and state legislation in place to protect great apes in captivity in the United States. A handful of federal laws exist such as the Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act, however, even when properly enforced, these laws do not adequately protect apes in captivity. Although legislation exists in some states to protect apes in captivity, many jurisdictions do not properly enforce these laws. Local restrictions governing traveling shows and circuses exist in fifteen cities but it is unclear if these are adequately enforced as well.