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We are filing a complaint
We are filing a complaint
Big news: as of February 21, 2024, Pet Stop applied for a Class B license and passed their first re-license inspection. This means they are now considered ready to be licensed under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and are officially under USDA jurisdiction.
What does this mean for Frankie?
It means we finally have a clear legal path forward. Under the AWA, the USDA now has the authority to ensure Frankie is being treated in accordance with federal regulations — and we believe they may already be in violation.
Here’s why we’re filing a complaint:
Here’s why we’re filing a complaint:
Frankie, a highly social capuchin monkey, is kept completely alone, without even visual or auditory contact with other monkeys. This may sound obviously cruel — and it is — but it’s also technically only allowed under strict conditions.
According to USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (9 CFR Part 3, Subpart D), facilities must address the “psychological well-being” of nonhuman primates. These rules encourage social housing as the default and explicitly state:
“The environmental enhancement plan must include specific provisions to address the social needs of nonhuman primates of species known to exist in social groups in nature.”
In other words: monkeys should not be kept in isolation unless there is a valid, written reason. That reason must:
Be justified in writing by the attending veterinarian
Be reviewed and updated at least every 30 days
So far, we have no evidence that Pet Stop has provided any such documentation. That means: They may already be in violation of federal law.
We are in the process of filing an official complaint with the USDA. We’re demanding that they investigate whether Frankie’s continued solitary confinement violates AWA regulations — and we won’t stop until he’s released to sanctuary.
Campaign Meeting May 4th, 2025
Campaign Meeting May 4th, 2025
We'll be meeting at Farm to Able Sanctuary on May 4th at 12:00 pm. Join us to get updates on the campaign, contribute ideas, and hang out with some really cool animals. This is a family-friendly event, so feel free to bring children, partners, and friends along! Located at 23100 E Strode Rd, Independence MO 64015.
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS, March 2025
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS, March 2025
Big news! As we continue our fight to get Frankie the life he deserves in a sanctuary, we’re excited to announce that our campaign is now partnering with In Defense of Animals! With their support, we’re bringing even more strength and strategy to this effort.
Local Flyering March 22nd + Campaign Meeting
Local Flyering March 22nd + Campaign Meeting
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Meet in front of Overland Park Christian Church: 7600 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS 66204. Materials for flyering will be provided. Afterward, we will have a campaign meeting at Cardboard Corner Cafe.
Campaign meeting & Letter Writing February 8th
Campaign meeting & Letter Writing February 8th
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Turnsol Books, 1664 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Campaign meeting January 18th
Campaign meeting January 18th
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Rochester Brewing & Roasting Co. 2129 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64108
2024 Year in review
2024 Year in review
As the year comes to a close, we're reflecting on the incredible strides we've made together in the #FreeFrankie campaign. While Frankie isn’t free yet, we’re closer than ever, thanks to your unwavering support. From raising awareness about his plight to mobilizing a growing community of advocates, we’ve accomplished so much this year—and we won’t stop until Frankie is in a high-quality sanctuary.
Join us as we look back at the milestones we’ve reached and renew our commitment to fight for compassion in 2025! Here are some 2024 highlights:
1. We secured Frankie an all-expenses-paid spot at Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation sanctuary. https://www.wildlife-rescue.org/
2. We initiated an email campaign that saw almost 52,000 people send emails to Pet Stop, asking for Frankie’s release. https://support.peta.org/page/68503/action/1
3. The campaign website and social media pages have received over 100,000 views, likes, follows, and other interactions.
4. We held a demonstration in front of Pet Stop that drew in over 50 community advocates, and teamed up with Food not Bombs KC https://fnbkc.org/
5. The campaign has been featured in two local news articles, one local radio show, and one podcast episode. https://www.kcactionforanimals.org/campaign-updates
6. Free Frankie campaign outreach was done at 5 local events, reaching hundreds of community members.
7. An immeasurable number of letters were written, phone calls were made, online reviews left, flyers distributed, all in support of Frankie’s transition to sanctuary life.
8. Images of Frankie were removed from the Pet Stop website after pressure from the community surrounding the campaign. https://www.petstopkc.com/
We have accomplished a lot in 2024, but it is only the beginning. This campaign will continue until Frankie is allowed to live his best life possible in sanctuary!
Demonstration & Press Conference Dec 7, 2024
Demonstration & Press Conference Dec 7, 2024
News Update: Frankie Campaign Demonstration Draws Community Support
On December 7th, from 12 to 2 PM, in Shawnee, KS, over 50 passionate advocates gathered in front of the Pet Stop store to demand freedom for Frankie, a Capuchin monkey currently kept in confinement. The demonstration included impactful speeches, chants, and interviews with local news outlets, amplifying the call for Frankie to be relocated to a sanctuary where his needs as a wild animal can be fully met.
Support for the cause was evident, with numerous passersby honking their horns in solidarity. The event remained peaceful, despite the presence of a couple of counter-protesters who engaged in dialogue with campaign members. The demonstration highlighted the growing community backing for Frankie’s release, showcasing a shared commitment to his well-being and the ethical treatment of animals.
The Frankie Campaign will continue its efforts to secure a better life for Frankie and urges supporters to stay engaged for future updates.
Almost 52,000 people send emails to Pet stop
Almost 52,000 people send emails to Pet stop
On PETA's petition page for Frankie, people can send emails directly to the store where Frankie is being kept. As of 12/14/24, 51,915 people have sent emails demanding Frankie's release to sanctuary.
Media Appearances
Media Appearances
Johnson County Post Article, "Animal rights group steps up campaign urging Shawnee pet store to release monkey"
Johnson County Post Article, "Animal rights group steps up campaign urging Shawnee pet store to release monkey"
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