National Call-In Week for chimpanzees ends on Tuesday, December 6th. You still have time to call your Congressional representatives and urge them to support The Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act.
It’s time!
More than 1,000 chimpanzees have been living in laboratories and research facilities for decades, being denied the the social interaction and normal behaviors required by the DNA we share. Imagine being kept in a small metal crate with no access to your family and friends and being the target of invasive procedures.
The Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act would “end the exploitation of chimpanzees held captive in laboratories.”
It’s time!
In September, Scientific American called for a ban on invasive biomedical testing involving chimpanzees. This is impressive support: Scientific American reaches 5 million people in 30 countries and is “the leading source and authority for science, technology information and policy for a general audience” in the world. If you don’t care about the animals, consider that this bill would save $300 million in federal tax dollars over 10 years.
It’s time!
After you make that call or send that letter to Congress, add a special gift to your holiday shopping. The nearly 100 chimps in Chimp Haven would love a gift, perhaps a book or other “sensory enrichment item.”
Clear out a space for your new holiday gifts by wrapping up (all primates love pretty gift paper) a brightly colored children’s book that your children no longer read and send to Chimp Haven, where the rescued research chimpanzees will enjoy them!
Many of the world’s religions will be celebrating in the coming weeks. As you remember those less fortunate this season, take a moment to think about the chimps.
Resources: In Defense of Animals and Animal Legal Defense Fund.
More information from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Eric Kleiman, Research Director of In Defense of Animals.
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