The #1 source for news about monkeys and apes

[Carrie McLaren <carrie AT stayfreemagazine.org>]

<http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_616867.html?menu>http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_616867.html?menu=



Monkey quarantined after unprovoked attack

A monkey called Presley is in quarantine after attacking three people in 
Texas.

The Macaque, or Java monkey, scratched and bit a boy then attacked 
its owner and a firefighter who was trying to help control it.

The nine-year-old boy suffered cuts to his hand, arms and legs. 
Presley also bit his owner and scratched the firefighter severely 
enough to break the skin.

All three were treated at a hospital in Conroe where they were tested 
for life-threatening diseases which may have been transferred from 
the monkey. None tested positive for disease or infection.

Assistant Montgomery County Attorney Robert Rosenquist says his 
office is considering charges against the monkey's owner for failure 
to register the animal with the county. The monkey is native to 
Southeast Asia.

John Geiser, field supervisor with Montgomery County's Animal Control 
office, says it is unclear what caused the attack. He told The 
Courier it appeared the seven-year-old animal had not been provoked.

Presley will be quarantined for 30 days and tested for hepatitis, 
herpes and AIDS.

Story filed: 11:20 Thursday 27th June 2002