‘Monkey Whisperer’ Finally Loses USDA Federal Dealer License

A former exotic animal dealer known as the ‘monkey whisperer’ has finally lost his USDA federal dealer’s license. Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, known as “The Monkey Whisperer,” was charged earlier this year with illegally selling an endangered monkey to Chris Brown.

Source: ABC7/Youtube

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally terminated the federal Animal Welfare Act license of Hammonds.

PETA had submitted a complaint to the USDA earlier this year, pointing out that the agency had a cause to terminate his license from his convictions.

“Exotic animals are not pets, playthings, or props for celebrities, and they’re not business transactions either,” says PETA’s Michelle Sinnott. “PETA is celebrating the USDA’s decision to strip this felon of a license before he could exploit additional vulnerable animals.”

Hammonds was charged with felony conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking and three counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. Hammonds was sentenced to five years probation, including eight months of house arrest for one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and three counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. He also was ordered to pay a $90,000 fine.

Exotic animals are not meant to be kept as pets. These poor animals are bred to sell and remain in captivity their entire lives. These should not be animals available for purchase, and they should not be used for entertainment. Sign this petition to ban private monkey sales!

Related Content:

• ‘Monkey Whisperer’ Who Sold Chris Brown a Capuchin Monkey Found Guilty of Animal Trafficking
• Chris Brown Just Bought a Pet Monkey – Tell Him Why This Is NOT Okay!
• Petition: Shut Down Exotic Animal Breeders
• Petition: Demand That the USDA Enforce the Animal Welfare Act!
• Bill Introduced to Ban the Use of Wild and Exotic Animals in Circuses
• Here’s Why Exotic Animals Belong in the Wild, Not as ‘Pets’ in Our Backyards

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