Police have no plans to search for Dez Bryant's monkey

IRVING, Texas - The DeSoto Police Department in Texas says it is aware of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant’s alleged illegal possession of a capuchin monkey within the city limits.

But the police department also said in a statement that it has no evidence that the monkey is actually in the city of DeSoto. Though photos were posted on social media sites, the statement says, this does not rise to the level of probable cause necessary to secure an administrative search warrant to seize the monkey.

The situation generated considerable interest when the animal rights group PETA sent a letter to local authorities in DeSoto urging them to ensure that the capuchin is transferred to an accredited sanctuary that’s equipped to meet the monkey’s needs. In its letter, PETA noted that possession of monkeys is prohibited within DeSoto unless the owner has been granted a special-use permit, which private individuals like Bryant are not eligible for.

“Monkeys belong in the wild – not in the hands of football players who acquire exotic animals just to make a splash on Instagram,” said Brittany Peet, PETA’s Foundation Deputy Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement. “This baby capuchin was torn away from his mother shortly after birth and needs special care that can now only be provided by wildlife experts who will be able to ensure that he gets the love and attention he deserves.”

PETA says it has already secured space at an accredited primate sanctuary ready to take in Dallas, who would be introduced to an adult female capuchin who could act as a surrogate mother figure.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett declined to comment on Bryant’s monkey, Dallas Bryant, but said, “I have not met Dallas. I’ve heard stories that he has a monkey and there has been visual evidence of that.”

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