Florida Criminal Lawyer Blog

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

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Last month, a Florida man shot a black bear near his home in Shalimar. Although there is no legal means of killing a bear in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission makes recommendations on whether the person should be charged. In this case, the bear reportedly lunged at the man popped her teeth.

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.

Although some local conservationists have criticized the man for killing the bear, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has recommended against criminal charges for the man.

Source: 7:00 P.M. UPDATE: Man who shot mother bear won't be charged (REPORT), NWFDailyNews.com, December 8, 2009

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Due to growing concerns over the buying, selling, and possession of exotic animals in Florida, legislators and wildlife officials said they are attempting to limit sales over the internet. While Florida law requires permits and registration for those who own exotic animals, only about 10% of exotic animal owners actually comply with the law.

According to officials, a first-time offense is a misdemeanor with a small fine attached, but repeat offenders could face jail time and fines of up to $10,000. The licensing fee is $100 and will remain at $100 so it does not become a burden for exotic animal owners.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold an amnesty day on October 3 so that any exotic animal can be surrendered no questions asked. Officials have also identified six species they are especially concerned about, because of their large size. Hunters are encouraged to kill the following reptile species: Burmese, African rock, scrub and reticulated pythons, the green anaconda, and the Mile monitor lizard.

Legislators, wildlife officials examine Florida's exotic animal laws, South Florida Sun Sentinel, September 9, 2009

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