Background:

In July 2007 Malaysia announced it had lifted its long standing ban on the export of primates for laboratory research. The ban has reportedly been lifted because of increasing 'conflicts' between monkeys and people in urban areas. Experts, however, disagree entirely that this action is necessary or even effective.

The BUAV's Veterinary Consultant, Dr Buyukmihci explains:

"A key element in wildlife-human conflicts is inappropriate behaviour by people. Encouraging animals by providing a food source reduces their innate fear of humans. Relocation and reproduction control can be effective, but as long as people create a hospitable environment for the animals, these conflicts will continue."

The BUAV's undercover investigation, Malaysia, July 2007:

We found new evidence of monkey suffering at a holding facility in Pontian, South Western Malaysia, where wild monkeys were being kept in terrible conditions:

• Wild macaque monkeys had been captured using crudely made traps
• Hundreds of monkeys were packed into wire mesh cages
• The holding facility was dreadfully rundown
• Unnatural conditions like these are extremely stressful for wild animals
• These conditions can lead to disease and injuries among the monkeys
• We even found dead monkeys on the cage floors

The problem:

Macaque monkeys are intelligent, social animals with complex behavioural and psychological needs and their export for the research industry causes them immense distress.

The BUAV steps in:

The BUAV has for many years highlighted the cruelty involved in the international trade in primates for research.

Together with the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, we have launched a campaign to oppose the lifting of the ban on the export of primates for research.

Already we have:

• Lobbied over 300 members of the Malaysian parliament
• Raised awareness through the Malaysian media
• Sent letters to Malaysian embassies across Europe
• Submitted a report to the responsible minister in Malaysia offering suggestions on effective, humane methods to control monkey-human conflicts

Please act now: Help ensure a humane resolution to the region's human-monkey conflict

Whilst we are delighted with the decision to reinstate the export ban, there is now grave concern that the Malaysian Government will call for the monkeys to simply be killed.

We are now urging the government of Malaysia to address the underlying problem of human-monkey conflict in urban areas. There are ways to control the monkey population, which are not only humane but also more effective.

The BUAV has already submitted a paper to the Malaysia Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato' Seri Hj Azmi Khalid. This offered suggestions on effective means of controlling the conflicts humanely, including reproduction control, relocation and educating the public to adopt behaviour that does not encourage monkeys to rely on humans for food.

We still need your help:

If you want to help us stop the trade in primates for research there are two simple things you can do:

1. By sending a gift today, you could help the BUAV continue with our investigations to expose the reality of the global animal experimentation industry.
   
   Please make an online donation »
2. Please spare a few minutes to voice your concern to the Malaysian High Commission. We have provided this new suggested letter template.

Thank you for any support you are able to give