Rexano Editorial by Ms. Jade, legislative columnist at www.TheDogPress.com
Las Vegas, NV, August 17, 2007–Imagine calling someone you believed was an “expert†to ask for guidance on the changing dietary needs of your one year old son, only to have the “expert†(who has never even met you or your child) immediately phone in a neglect complaint against you with the local authorities. Then imagine that the authorities pry your child from your arms and hold him for ransom, refusing to let you even see him.
Would it matter if your child was a non-human primate?
“This is gut-wrenching! Heart-wrenching! How can this happen in the United States of America? How can Big Government take away a pet monkey like this?†said conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
Elyse Gazewitz of Rockville, MD bottle fed and diapered Armani like any other baby. His life with her was a far cry from the zoo in Thurmont, where he was subsequently imprisoned. He had a stroller, a wardrobe of name brand infant clothing and his own room, custom outfitted with tire swings, toys and a hammock. He had even mastered the television remote control.
Life was good for the four pound Capuchin monkey. But the 42 year old pet groomer’s world was shattered shortly after she phoned a Cecil County animal “sanctuary†to chat about Armani’s food preferences. Although Elyse has never met or even spoken to the woman on the phone before, police officers informed her that the woman had called in a complaint alleging that Armani was “frail and in need of a vetâ€.
At the direction of the Montgomery County Attorney’s office, animal control officers seized Armani. Elyse was handcuffed and arrested, cited with civil violations that dealt with Armani’s “status†and her “interference†occurring when animal control came in to her home to seize her monkey. She was also cited with four other counts for failing to supply proof that she had licensed and properly vaccinated her two dogs but she was not charged with animal cruelty or neglect. Total fines, $1,800.
County animal control officials claimed that Armani was an illegal resident under Maryland state law. Except that Elyse was not charged with violating Maryland state law…she was actually charged with “possession of a monkey†under the Montgomery County Code, which has a ten day period under which the county has the burden of proof that Armani is “wild†or “inherently untamableâ€â€¦ So then, was it “illegal monkey immigration†or maybe government sanctioned kidnapping?
Associate County Attorney, William A. Snoddy, contended that “By law Armani is contraband. As such, Ms. Gazewitz does not have any ownership rights in him. Nor is she entitled to tell the government how to dispose of seized contraband.†So why then was Elyse forced to pay $1,344 in advance for a month’s storage of “contraband� Did not the simple fact that the Animal Matters board presented Elyse with a bill for his care acknowledge her as Armani’s owner? And what about Mr. Snoddy’s comment; “dispose of the contraband�
Fed up with the treatment given her by Mongomery County officials, and desperate to see Armani, Elyse and her attorney called an emergency hearing at the Rockville Circuit Court on August 8th. When the summons was served on the Montgomery County Attorneys Office, County Attorney Savage was on vacation, forcing Assistant Attorney Snoddy to appear in court.
When the judge asked Snoddy for an explanation, he quipped “It’s not her monkeyâ€. To which the judge replied firmly “It is too her monkeyâ€! Mr. Snoddy countered with “that is yet to be determinedâ€, which seemed to anger the judge even more and he stated “I have seen it in the paper and it is like her child! How can you be so heartless?†Snoddy stated “I am not being heartless. It is not her monkeyâ€. Again the judge told him “Yes, it is!â€, explaining that if Armani had been a dog impounded for biting someone, the owners would still be allowed to visit the animal shelter during the quarantine period. Judge McGann said he would call County Attorney Savage to follow up on the matter.
Because the prosecutor failed to withdraw the county charge and amend the complaint to a violation of state law prior to calling their first witness, there is a very good chance that Elyse will win her case and get Armani back. The criminal charges have been dropped. Her court date is on August 21st. Let’s encourage Montgomery County to reunite Elyse and Armani. You can help, contact:
County Executive, Isiah “Ike” Legget
ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmembers:
Phil Andrews
 240-777-7906
councilmember.andrews@montgomerycountymd.gov
Roger Berliner
 240-777-7828
councilmember.berliner@montgomerycountymd.gov
 Marc Elrich
 240-777-7966
councilmember.elrich@montgomerycountymd.govÂ
 Valerie Ervin
 240-777-7960
councilmember.ervin@montgomerycountymd.govÂ
Nancy Floreen
 240-777-7959
councilmember.floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov
Mike Knapp, V.P
 240-777-7955
councilmember.knapp@montgomerycountymd.gov
George Leventhal.
 240-777-7811
councilmember.leventhal@montgomerycountymd.gov
Marilyn J. Praisner, Pres.
 240-777-7968
councilmember.praisner@montgomerycountymd.gov
Duchy Trachtenberg
 240-777-7964
councilmember.trachtenberg@montgomerycountymd.gov
Â
Legislative Oversight 240-777-7990
OLO@montgomerycountymd.gov
Â
For information about Responsible Exotic Animal Ownership contact: www.REXANO.org
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24 users commented in " Serious monkey business for Maryland woman. "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackFirst off, the question here is NOT if the monkey was taken care of properly, the qustion is legally was she allowed to have this monkey? The answer to this question is NO. In the county, in the state where this woman lives Primates are NOT allowed to be owned, housed, or taken care of by private owners. This law went into effect BEFORE Elyse bought this monkey. She should have checked with both the county and the State regulations to make sure that this type of animal was permitted. This is NOT a child by any means it is a WILD animal which in years to come will NOT be the same loving baby that he is now. He will become what he is.. a wild animal by instincts. Monkeys have not evolved over the millions of years such as humans (babies as you say) therefore are not capable of living in a society without doing harm to not only his owner but to others. The monkey was taken away because of the law, not because of any phone call made of dietary needs or changes. There are tooo many people that try to substitute monkeys as children just to find out when they reach sexual maturity that they are in fact a wild animal. By this time the monkey is unable to be socialized with other monkeys and will live a life that is unnatural to monkeys. Monkeys live in troops up to 40 depending on the species and to have one in solitude is unkind and inhumane. There is NO comparison between a child and a monkey. The monkey belongs with other monkeys and that is why the law exists, from other bad experiences that have been found in the state of maryland with bites of humans to escapes and the unfortunate killing of monkeys to capture them. It is a good law, and a law which is being inforced as should be. You couldn’t be 1/2 drunk and say “but I was really upset so can’t you please let me go” NO a DUI is a DUI. Same as Monkeys are against the law in MD no if, and’s or buts. It’s the law, everyone needs to abide by the law.
Mr. Johnson, do you even look up your information before going on about it?
I assume your article is satire, but in case it’s not, I would say that what this woman needs is some psychological help, not legal aid in a fight to get her pet back.
And, it is still true that it is illegal to own primates as pets in Maryland, as it should be. The Exotic Pet law took effect October 1, 2006, and clearly includes primates. Mr. Johnson is absolutely correct.
Tom K;
Yes I own a sanctuary with ex-pets like hers. I helped enforce this law I certainly should know about it! I was touching on the facts of what effects it has on the primates themselves when they are forced to be pets. This monkey along with others in any state should not be privately owned, there’s always adoption of children, for those that try to substitute a primate for a child. Become a foster parent to a human child not a primate. I agree with Rick, she does indeed need psychological help.
To Tom J,
How do YOU know whether or not the monkey was legal. Did YOU sell it to her?There was a grandfather clause in the law that may exempt Armani completely, so that is for the judge to decide. Under the County law, the burden of proof is on the county ” that Armani is “wild” or “inherently untamable””.She was only charged with violating the county law ans NOT the state law. In other words, (for those that cannot read)The COUNTY broke their own law! They violated her rights (which still superceed that of animals wether you like it or not) by seizing her valuable property, without allowing her a chance to prove the birthdate of the monkey, and hauled her of Gestapo style in a country where you are supposed to be presumed INNOCENT, until proven guilty, beyond a resonable doubt. Cappuchin monkeys are clever little creatures, often used to assist the disabled. That do not need to live
“in troops up to 40” to thrive, and enjoy contented domestic lives “without doing harm” to anyone! Many human children grow up to be a menace to society, so while I personally would not choose to own a pet monkey, it would appear that Elyse made the smarter choice of species here. After all, she works with animals for a living. Perhaps she is of a more sound mind than Tom J or Rick!
The rehetorec over the ‘wild and dangerous’ condition of small primates leaves me baffled. If they were so ‘wild and dangerous’, why have people sucessfully kept these animals since the middle ages? Primates are very challenging compared to a dog or a cat….but not that challenging. People willing to take on the challenge are rewarded with a companion that is far more intelligent than a dog or cat. The attitude we have about anything nontraditional any more is scary. No exotic pets, no unusual homes, vehicles, etc. It is time that animal lovers be recognized for who they are, and their rights to responsibly own animals protected.
Jade;
Trust me I know the birth date of the monkey. Anyone can obtain these records from the USDA. The breeder that sold this monkey is obligated by the USDA by laws to fill out what is called a transfer paper FYI and on that document it must have the monkey’s DOB. You yourself if you wish to investigate as I did can obtain the same information as I have about the birth of this monkey. HE was not born before the date of the law going into effect. He is NOT grandfathered in. As far as the way they arrested her, she did not cooperate with the authorities, she stood in the way of them doing their job, therfore it was their only recourse. (I have spoken to them) It was her choice as to how the monkey was going to be taken. And of course lets all not forget about the fact that she also received violations on not having her dogs properly vaccinated. She is a dog groomer, suppose to love dogs yet can’t even provide proper care for her own dogs? If she can’t provide that then what would make anyone think that she would provide proper vet care for such a special animal with only few vets that look after them? There is NO innocent or Guilty in a case where a woman is standing in her house with a monkey that is NOT allowed in the county or the state. Just like if you were caught with pot standing in your house, your guilty, no questions asked, it’s against the law. As far as the helping hands monkeys are concerned, you should do some more research on that subject because there are only special qualified people that train and have hands on with the helping hands monkeys. She by far is not experienced or knowledgeable of Primates. Period. What good was she going to do with this monkey? Was this monkey going to be a helping hands monkey? No then why the reference? Capuchin is spelled this way, not with 2 “P’s” I think you have no idea what you are talking about. I have been doing this for 14 years, I have one monkey here that was someone’s baby and oh she loved him so much, he was her baby. He was her baby so much that when he was 10 years old she left him in the garage in a small cage and went on vacation for 2 weeks and oops forgot to tell someone to feed him and guess what? he chewed his arm off he was so hungry. Do you want to hear more of my ex-pet monkey stories, I have lots. And they are ALL true. Now you see why she shouldn’t get him back? Because there’s probably only 1 out of 10,000 people that are private owners that can really take care of and be devoted to a monkey for 30-35 years even after they hate you. I know some of these people and I salute them. Elyse is NOT one of them! Trust me I know!
Not only is ‘Mr Johnson’ a capuchin (with 1’P’) expert, he is also a spelling teacher! Yet he writes ‘YOUR guilty’ when it should be YOU’RE guilty! How petty of me to point that out, huh? Just as petty for Mr Johnson (if indeed that’s his/her name) to make many of the statements he has about exotic animal owners.
Mr Johnson is also a visionary…he can ‘see’ that Elyse is not one of the
‘1 in 10,000’ people who can be devoted to their monkey for it’s lifetime. And of course he is the self-appointed expert that should decide this for all of us.
That’s ok Mr Johnson. Rest assured that Elyse now knows these ‘special’ people who you salute and they would care for Armani if your dire prediction came true.
You sound to me like a very angry person with a very personal grudge against Elyse. Perhaps even the person who turned her in?
God protect the animals in your ‘sanctuary’ from your bitter, angry soul. I hope you have some sweet and loving volunteers who work with those animals as they must be starving for a kind heart and a gentle word.
Why does Mr. Johnson act as if every private owner is like the one who neglected a monkey so badly? It makes it difficult to believe anything that he says when he abuses his expertise to abuse other people.
Mr. Johnson,,or should I say Judy??? How narrow minded and ignorant you really are. Do you really think you are the only person that has the capabiliy of owning a primate for a lifetime. I have two male primates and will have them until I leave this world. Why would someone that is not legally involved in this case have done so much homework on the case, such as yourself??? One must wonder how bored and vendictive you really are, and getting nowhere at the same time. You didn’t get Armani like you thought did you?
Ms B
Give the lady her monkey back, she loves it and I’m sure the idiots that took it can’t take care of it like it’s owner. Yes you can tame monkeys and you can casterate him and he will be handable the rest of his life,I know this for sure because i have some that are 18 and 20 years old that I handle every day.I would move away from Maryland and never trust a sanctuary becuse they thinkbno one should have animals but them so they can get more donations to keep them going and rake in the money for thier own personal use. I have seen it happen. I would get an attorney and sue the sanctuary that started all the bullshit. I hope what they dished out comes back and slaps the idiots in the face and pocketbook. Patty Rivers
It is going to take a lot of Elyse Gazewitzes to finally turn around these stupid ban laws. People need to stand up to those who would come to seize their animals and tell them ‘no way in hell are you taking my ______’, and then follow through! People and animals go together naturally. That is the way our creator designed things to be. Government, in their ever increasing zeal to control EVERYTHING are simply picking off animal owners along with everything else. You want the abuse cases to stop? Drop the stupid laws! Not that many years ago, people had these animals and rarely had issues with them. Why do they have issues now? Because animal owners are now made to jump through so many hoops that it is just getting tough to care for an animal. Last but least, just because a pet dog isn’t vaccinated doesn’t mean their owner is not taking good care of it. Some simply don’t like poking their pet with an ever-increasing array of vaccines.
America had come so far from it’s compassion for the veterans, animals, and even human life…….could it be that TV has made us so ammuine to emotions or feelings? One day, our rights as Americans to enjoy ownership of a companion animal will be delegated to us by our own government…possibly based on our income……..America needs to wake up in time to watch our Constitutional Rights float down the river of BANS……..First a monkey soon your dog or cat!
Mr. Johnson says that everyone should abide by the law. What about the animal rights protesters who continually break laws? What about the ALF?
Mr. Johnson,
Since you seem to be so well versed in the Armani case, how do you explain the fact that the county didn’t follow their own laws, one of which is to allow the owner 10 days to re-home the animal particularly when the state has dropped all charges! Your blanket statement “He will become what he is.. a wild animal by instincts” is ridiculous. I have a nine yr old monk and a 15 yr old monk, neither of which have “become” wild animals. They are a part of our family…a BIG part of our family. And no, they are not substitute children…we have a couple of those too and they love the monks just as much as we do. Some monkeys might become wild, IF they aren’t treated property and given loads of attention and stimulation. But isn’t that true of a dog or cat, not given the proper home? Anyway, it’s people like you, with the stupid statements you make, that make me wonder what’s really behind it all? Maybe you should see about some pshychological help to find out what it is that’s really bothering you!
The bottom line, to me, is the fact that Elyse is not above lying (she’s continually lied) in order to have the monkey. If she is so concerned with Armani’s welfare, why did she risk his life by sneaking him into her home? She knew this could happen someday! Very selfish woman it seems! All that is due her is the 10 days to find Armani a home, and she’s lucky to have that! Most states wouldn’t be so generous. She has proven, repeatedly, that she’s not above jeopardizing Armani’s life, therefore I’d be surprised if she didn’t end up sneaking him back into her home at some point! If, she were to get the monkey back for some reason, then isn’t it only fair that everybody else in the state that is hiding out an illegal animal, be allowed the same?
That to me is the whole point. Elyse was denied 10 days to find Armani another home. Furthermore, this is America. No one should be forced to lie or to hide their personal property to protect it from government confiscation or interference. As long as an animal is not being abused it should not be illegal to own the species of our choice.
I hope Elyse does get Armani back on Tuesday and I hope it opens the door to repealing laws in every state that force people to hide that which is theirs.
When somebody knowingly breaks the law, whether or not you agree with the law, they shouldn’t be rewarded for it. There is no reason whatsoever that the monkey should be placed back in that home. He’ll end up being like the hundreds of other exotics out there…placed in yet another home when he becomes hard to handle. And he will become hard to handle once he becomes sexually mature. Sitting around filing nails and dressing him like a little human will be out the window! Of course she can try to keep him handable by yanking out his teeth. How wonderful it is to do that to an animal, particularly an intelligent animal such as a monkey. He needs to go to a sanctuary while he’s still young enough to adapt easily. She can go find herself a puppy!
Ms Sheila,
You are ignoring the many ‘hundreds of others out there’ who have been sucessfully raised in the home as loving and trusting pets. Neutering at a young age is very helpful if one does not wish for their animal to go through sexual changes and other owners offer them a companion and love and admire them through their enclosure, without the daily hands on. Either way, the animals are happy and content as they are captive bred and born THIS IS their ‘natural’ environment.
They are not longing for ‘the wild’ or a ‘troop’ of monkeys as this life is what they know and are comfortable with. Most of this ‘anti-monkey’ propaganda comes from people who have never raised one or who were unsucesseful in raising one properly and are jealous of those who do.
To suggest that this woman substitute a puppy for her monkey is ludicrous. Puppys grow up to be dogs and 30,000 of them were euthanized last year in my county alone. There is a much greater incidence of ‘domestic’ animals becoming unwanted than there are of exotics. There is also a much greater danger of a dog attacking and injuring someone.
Sanctuarys are a buisness. As a business they can choose to take an animal or they can turn it down; in which case there are private owners who will take it, and without all the news media and money-begging. First-time owners of exotics need to do their homework and connect with like minded people who will help them protect their animals and their rights. The animal activists in this country want to deprive them of both.
Laura, do your monkeys have all of their teeth, including Canines? And are they both intact? I bet not. You can say that they are, but will it be the truth? You know if someone were USDA licensed by the government, the new law just going into effect is that no exotic animal is to be altered in any way. The USDA Animal Welfare Act sees this as an inhumane practice. I have 2 monkeys here with NO teeth at all, because previous owners had them pulled out. Guess what when you pull out the teeth of a monkey their jaws get stronger, they break bones instead of breaking the skin when they bite. (From personal experience.) Another thing do you have Capuchins? Each species of monkeys are different as far as personalities. Capuchins are the craziest and most unpredictable. Spider monkeys are much more calmer and more predictable.
Sheila;
There’s no point arguing with these people, they are know it all’s of nothing. Sounds like people I read about on a list called Phoenix Exotics. They were all whacked! Fighting for rights to own exotic animals to keep them in small cages to show as trophies. I say DON’T GIVE THE MONKEY BACK. Leave him where he is, he’s in a good place, where he belongs, naked and able to be a monkey. And well taken care of with experienced people for over 40 years.
No bother writing back to me, I have had enough of this pettiness, and I won’t be checking back. We’ll see who wins. Elyse or the monkey. I’m hoping the monkey wins his freedom!!!!!!!!!! Freedom from having to be someone little monkey child.
Wow! It sure looks as if the santuary hoarders are afraid that outsiders might be encroaching on their market share. Like a twisted and depraved modern day Noah, they wish to gather up the animals for themselves and use tax exempt funds to finance their personal collections! Dog forbid anyone else is allowed to enjoy a close relationship with another species.
Truly, if we do not stand up to our lawmakers and hold them accountable on election day, the vegan fascists will be dancing in the streets and the only animals left will be the bones in the museum. Organize voting blocs in your state today, to protect ownership rights in the next session of the legislature.
I have never owned anything more “exotic” than reptiles, but I believe my cock fighting forefathers fought for our right to make that choice. If you want advice on proper care of exotics don’t contact “Tom” or any “sanctuary” – contact REXANO!!!
I do not know the others on this thread, but I for one am not a member of Phoenix Exotics.
Anyone can call themselves a ‘sanctuary’ a ‘foundation’ or even a ‘zoo’ and collect the animals they want while expecting others to feed, build cages, care for and collect more. This is true of a great many and unfortunately it gives true rescues and sanctuaries a bad name.
No matter what you call yourself, you are still a private owner of exotics and should be supporting responsible private ownership instead of trying to destroy everyone you envy.
There is a USDA law against pulling teeth and declawing….not against neutering. Activists do not want these animals bred and any law against neutering will be met with opposition.
You’ll be checking back alright. And if Elyse loses her baby tomorrow it will not be a win for you…it will be a great lose for Elyse and Armani and all free Americans who value their rights.
Once the government begins to not obey their own laws, thre is no democracy, only anarchy. It seems many that have responded do not believe in due process of law but rather believe their own opinions should qualify the treatment afforded both the owner and Armani. The law, which the county officials VIOLATED, and even VIOLATED the Judge’s explicit orders, (talk about breaking the law AND the ignoring judicial process!), allows for the owner 10 days to resolve the violation. THAT is reasonable. WHY wouldn’t the county abide by their own laws? This is some kind of a vindictive manueveur on the part of the county and perhaps with complicity of the “sanctuary” person that would be most likely to receive the capuchin upon confiscation. CONFLICT OF INTEREST! And THAT is not just! nor legal. I owned a primate as a CHILD with all his teeth, canine, claws and what have you and never once was bit! Nor was anyone else and he got along just fine with a menagerie of animals I was lucky enough to have, nearly ALL being GIVEN to me by previous owners. The hatred that is being spewed toward the owner by some here is representative of the sentimens many animal rights activists spew toward most of society. We have been living WITH animals since the beginning of time. Who are they to say NOW we have no justification for doing so? Self-serving, self-righteous pompous money grabbing non-for-profits. I hope Armani goes back to his owner!
Everyone here is going on and on about who was right who was wrong, where the monkey should be. NO ONE has considered where the MONKEY may prefer to be! I know FIRST HAND how these animals bond with their human caretakers. I have a Grey Armed Macaque, Tia 3 1/2 years old and she is with me because she CHOSE ME.
I cared for her while her owner was getting caging built etc. she bonded with me and I was able to do things with her that her owner could not. It was clear to all that Tia preferred me. Her owner seeing this ask me if I would like to take her because she would be happier with me to which I happily agreed. This to me was a very RESPONSIBLE decision on the owners part. I feel that if one can provide a good home for ANY animal then you should be able to have it.
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