Ask Governor of Arkansas to Veto Reckless Wildlife Bill

Please sign and share this petition on all media websites in an effort to speak out to Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto the reckless wildlife bill HB 1551 that seems to prohibit the private ownership and possession of most primates except when it comes unprofessional roadside zoos. If this bill is passed, it would weaken the current exotic animal laws.

Animal advocates in Little Rock, Arkansas have concerns regarding a new bill HB1551 that the Governor is proposing that would weaken the current exotic animal law. A law currently exists that allows exemption of exotic animals to credible and respected Association of Zoos, Aquariums and sanctuaries. Passing this new bill would make the current law ineffective calling itself the Zoological Association of America, a fringe group with weak standards that accredits poorly run roadside zoos, and any other zoo-accrediting organization as exemptions to the law, as documented by Ms. Altrui of the Little Rock Zoo. She states that this new bill would be a danger to public health and safety and does not uphold good animal care standards. By amending Arkansas's law to allow any zoological accrediting organization without limitation to breed and hold primates the state has opened the floodgate to any roadside zoo or individual to own some of the most dangerous primate species."

We need to encourage Governor Hutchinson to veto this reckless wildlife bill HB 1551 that would make some unprofessional organizations exempt from the current law. As current law provides, only accredited organizations are equipped to meet the unique needs of animals like orangutans. Reducing oversight and accountability only opens the door to mistreatment of these wonderful animals. You can help in our endeavor to protect these magnificent animals by signing and sharing this petition on all media sites in the effort to ask that this bill be vetoed and not passed!

Governor Asa Hutchinson – We ask that you veto this reckless wildlife bill HB 1551. Laws already exist that allows exemption of exotic animals to credible and respected Association of Zoos, Aquariums and sanctuaries. Passing this bill will weaken those laws, allowing these animals in the wrong hands that could be detrimental. Do not change the current law but enforce it for the health and safety of all exotic animals!