Robert Matson Conyers, Research Monkey Importer, Faces Cruelty Charges

VAN NUYS, Calif. (AP) — An importer of research monkeys is set for trial charged with cruelty after a deadly flight killed 15 monkeys and halted monkey imports to Los Angeles.

Robert Matson Conyers faces 10 charges of animal cruelty Monday involving a plane trip that moved monkeys from Guyana to Miami, Los Angeles, China, and back to Los Angeles.

An advocacy group says the trial is expected to shine a light into the secretive world of laboratory animal imports from around the world to the United States.

Stop Animal Cruelty Now says the animals were dehydrated and resorted to cannibalism during the ordeal.

Comments

[RConyers]

09:01 AM on 05/04/2012

Hey Huff and Puff Post- check your facts! These were not "research" monkeys they were destined for zoological display- the shipment consisted of not only monkeys but also hundreds of reptiles, over a hundred birds, and dozens of other mammals ( kinkajous, slouths and agoutis ). I AM NOT AN ANIMAL IMPORTER! I AM NOT AN ANIMAL BROKER! That is a blatant lie made up by SAEN- check your facts. Check the law. Do some research or reporting instead of repeating. The documents are public record- the evidence showed ALL OF THESE CLAIMS ARE NOT TRUE. It took the jury 37 minutes to elect a foreman, find me not guilty and sign all ten counts- how long do you think they deliberated? Do a little investigation- this is a prime example of sensationalism and hack reporting.

[RConyers]

08:48 AM on 05/04/2012

Hey Huff and Puff Post- Hey all you sheeple- I AM NOT - and I HAVE NEVER BEEN an Animal Importer. Check your facts !!!! These monkeys were destined for zoological display- they were part of a shipment of hundreds of reptiles, over a hundred birds and dozens of other mammals- THESE WERE NOT RESEARCH MONKEYS- nobody but the idiots with "SAEN" ever claimed these were research animals. "Not Guilty" -- A verdict returned in 37 minutes - it took the jury longer to elect a foreman than to deliberate! Anybody that thinks I am an "importer" or that these were "research" monkeys- check your facts - it is all public record- the documents and proof is available for review.

[janejoy]

08:10 PM on 03/27/2012

Hope this guy gets a long prison sentence and suffers a similar fate in prison...

[karen lyons kalmenson]

02:23 PM on 03/26/2012

What do you see
What do you see when you look at me
The face of your genetic history
Do you see the intelligence, the soul,
The feelings
Of a primate that has suffered
From man’s cruel misdealings
Or do you see a thing
That belongs in a lab
Alive or dead
Lying on a cold slab
Your vision is determined
By your inner brain’s eye
My future depends
Please I do not want
To cry

my painting: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.177406225623761.39268.104800036217714&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=219386234759093&set=a.177406225623761.39268.104800036217714&type=3&theater

[kahunacook]

04:48 PM on 03/27/2012

I've looked and there is just no way I can find to fan you... AGAIN.

[karen lyons kalmenson]

06:22 AM on 03/28/2012

so waaaaaaaaaay cool!!! and thank you☺♥☻

[olitenup]

02:20 PM on 03/26/2012

Stop all experimentation and research on live animals. Period. I hope this guy gets a lot of time.

[StillAmused]

01:12 PM on 03/26/2012

In principle, I'm against the death penalty.
.
.

Then again...

[frogger22]

01:08 PM on 03/26/2012

Talk about the slimiest occupation you could choose - research primate importer. Notice they came from Guyana - we are finally making strides in abolishing primate research and seeing it as the archaic, innacurate, and incredibly cruel at all levels monster that it is. Hope they throw the book at this guy...

[arabianway]

10:00 PM on 03/26/2012

There is one on a par with this occupation in terms of sliminess, manufacturer of restraint chairs used in primate torture/research. We need to stop this pseudo-science and those who practise it NOW.