La. monkey owners become 'refugees'
Two rhesus monkeys at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center have been part of a study on nutrition and aging for 20 years.
Photographer: SHNS photo courtesy University of Wisconsin
Posted: 01/30/2012
NEAR THE TEXAS-LOUISIANA LINE - A crackdown on wild animals in private homes in Louisiana has left one couple so terrified they've fled to Texas with their four Capuchin monkeys.
Jim and Donita Clark say they won't go back home to Louisiana until they're assured the monkey's won't be taken.
The state has banned wild pets but allowed people like the Clarks to keep wild animals under a grandfather clause. But now wildlife officials say they will issue permits only after a home inspection.
But the Clarks -- like other wild animal owners in Louisiana -- are terrified the inspections are a pretext for confiscating animals.
State officials deny that and say the inspections are needed to ensure the safety of the public and animals.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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