Statement on the Production, Promotion, and Distribution of Entertainment Videos that Show Abuse of Primates

WHEREAS the American Society of Primatologists (ASP) stands for the promotion of good welfare of captive primates and conservation of wild primate populations;

WHEREAS there exists today a global subculture that produces, promotes and distributes videos that display purposeful provocation and abuse of animals including primates such as macaques, including those that are very young and vulnerable;

WHEREAS many animals, especially primates, are particularly vulnerable to physical and emotional abuse, especially early in life, that result in lifelong physical and psychological detriments;

WHEREAS the distribution of these videos tends to perpetuate the cycle to produce more videos and increase the monetary value of videos promoting the abuse of animals such as primates;

The American Society of Primatologists (ASP) therefore expressly opposes the creation, distribution, promotion, and consumption of these animal abuse videos and furthermore encourages and supports