Owner of Chimp Who Attacked Woman Won't Face Charges
Earlier this year, Travis the chimpanzee made headlines for attacking a woman unprovoked, ripping off her nose, hands, lips, and eyelids. She was left blind with multiple other injuries. The woman's attorneys had filed a $50 million lawsuit against the chimp's owner, but prosecutors announced in December that the owner will not face criminal charges.
An attorney for the state of Connecticut said there is nothing to indicate that the 200-pound chimp's owner knew the animal was dangerous and ignored that danger. The chimp was reportedly shot and killed by police. Prior to the incident this year, the animal had escaped from his owner's car in 2003 and led police on a chase for several hours.
Wildlife experts say the incident should serve as a reminder that chimps are unpredictable and unsuitable as pets.
Source: Chimp's owner won't face charges in attack, USAToday.com, December 8, 2009
Continue reading "Owner of Chimp Who Attacked Woman Won't Face Charges" »
A report from the commission says the 52-year-old man thought she was going to attack and shot her to defend himself, not intending to kill the mother bear. The report also states that the man was unsure who to call to report the incident, so he called his neighbor, an Okaloosa County Commissioner. The neighbor called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to report a bear in the area, and the man called the agency the next morning to report the shooting.
Due to growing concerns over the buying, selling, and possession of exotic