‘Monkey Whisperer’ Jimmy Wayne Hammonds Sentenced to Five Years of Probation

After PETA tipped off authorities to singer Chris Brown’s illegal possession of a capuchin monkey, the Florida-based dealer behind the sale was indicted in federal court and pleaded guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking and three counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. Jimmy Wayne Hammonds—who breeds and sells exotic animals under the name “The Monkey Whisperer” was sentenced to five years of probation and a $90,000 fine.

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind