§ 20-19-602 — Prohibited activities

(a) A person shall not import, possess, sell, or breed the following primates: (1) An ape; (2) A baboon; or (3) A macaque. (b) (1) (A) It is unlawful for a person to allow a member of the public to come into direct contact with a primate. (B) Subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section does not apply to a registered primate owner, the family of a registered primate owner, or an invited guest of a registered primate owner. (2) If a primate potentially exposes a human to rabies or another zoonotic disease by penetration or abrasion of the skin, the owner of the primate shall report the potential exposure to the local public health office within twenty-four (24) hours. (c) (1) It is unlawful for a person to tether a primate outdoors, such as on a leash or chain, or to allow a primate to run at-large. (2) If a primate escapes or is released, the owner of the primate immediately shall contact a law enforcement officer in the county in which the primate is kept and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to report the loss, escape, or release. (3) The owner of a primate that escapes or is released is liable for all expenses associated with efforts to recapture the primate. (d) It is unlawful to violate the caging and care standards in this subchapter or to keep a primate in a manner that threatens animal welfare or public safety. (e) It is unlawful to operate a primate commercial breeding facility in this state.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2013, No. 1337,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.