Paris Hilton's Pet Problem

By Stephen M. Silverman

11/17/2005 at 12:30 PM EST

The state of California is apparently ready to put Paris Hilton on official notice to stop monkeying around.

The hotel heiress's latest accessory, a pet primate named Baby Luv, could force authorities to slap Hilton with a misdemeanor for harboring an illegal species in Los Angeles, according to the New York Post.

Hilton may have to deliver the exotic kinkajou to an animal sanctuary or else risk having Baby Luv put to sleep, Steve Martarano, spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game, tells Post

"We'll send them a letter just to let them know we're aware they have a restricted species," Martarano says, explaining how his commission handles such cases.

Hilton, who once regularly adorned herself with a Chihuahua named Tinkerbell (she followed with another Chihuahua, then a ferret), is expected to abide by any demand to rid herself of her new acquisition, which is native to South American forests – and incapable of being house-trained.

"Paris is a law-abiding citizen," her rep, Elliot Mintz, tells the Post. "If she receives a letter from the Fish and Game people, I'm sure it will be reviewed and acted upon accordingly."

Once photos of Paris and Baby Luv began circulating this week, animal activists were quick to comment.

"It seems she thinks animals are as disposable as her friends and fiancés," said Lisa Lange, of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as quoted in the Post. (Hilton recently ended her brief engagement to shipping heir Paris Latsis.)