Dear John,

“These babies and the next ones born are sold.”

This was the sign over a cage which held two baby monkeys captive. As I watched the two babies clinging onto the door of the cage looking back at me, I could see their desperation to be free.

But this wasn't some illegal underground breeder. This was in a pet shop on a main road in Manchester, in the UK. I was there carrying out an investigation into the cruel primate pet trade, for Freedom for Animals.

Shockingly, it is still legal to 'own' a wild monkey and keep them captive in your home. You can simply walk in off the street into a pet shop like the one I investigated and buy a monkey.

That is why I am asking for your help today.

Right now, we are at a crucial time in the campaign to have the trade in primates as pets BANNED. Please can you make a donation today to fuel this campaign and to give monkeys like these a better life?

But we only have until 6th February to take action! Please don't delay in sending your campaign gift.

The Government have launched a public consultation into a ban on the trade and we have been busy rallying people to take part. We have submitted our own evidence to the Government of the suffering caused to primates kept as pets.

But the consultation shuts on 6th February so we must work fast!

Your donation of £10 or more today will ensure we can reach as many people as possible and secure the strongest response to this consultation to BAN this cruel trade!

I still can't believe that across the UK, thousands of monkeys are kept as 'pets' in people's homes.They are kept in bird cages in people's living rooms, or live out in garden sheds. They are often kept alone, a cruel life for a highly social animal like a primate.

Their lives are full of misery and many suffer with mental health issues as a result.

Will you work with us to help them?

Freedom for Animals is taking action right NOW to ban this cruel trade. But as a small animal rights charity, we need your help.

By making a donation today you will fuel the campaign to free primates from the pet trade and keep them wild and free. Thank you.

For the animals,
Lisa Whitehead*

Investigator
Freedom for Animals

P.S. Right now we are fighting to end the cruel trade in monkeys as pets. But we can't do it without you. Please can you send a donation today? Thank you!

*Name changed to protect identity.

If we raise more money than we need for this work, it will be put to use in our other campaigns to free animals from captivity. Thank you!