When Sammy a 30 pound java macaque attacked his owner last month biting him on the nose police were never called. It wasn't until the owner checked himself into a local hospital that authorities were notified.
While his owner is expected to recover Sammy is now sitting behind bars at his new home at the Franklin Exotic Zoo sharpening his teeth and creating a racket preparing his revenge on whoever put him there.
That's why the United States Humane Society is making another push to Virginia lawmakers to not allow the ownership of any dangerous wild animals by any private citizen.
Newschannel 3 was the first to bring you the news of Sammy attacking his owner when the Surry County man accidentally rolled over on him in the bed they shared while he was sleeping.
"His nose and wrist were hurt pretty bad," says owner of Bear Path Acres Debbie Jeter.
Debbie Jeter has been caring for the monkeys for over two weeks. She says exotic animals like monkeys should never be kept as pets because you can never take the "wild" out of a wild animal.
"He can't be given a chance to bite again," says Debbie.
The US Humane Society says in Virginia cats and dogs must be registered, but there are no rules prohibiting or regulating exotic pets.
Perhaps rules in place would have prevented Sammy from hurting his owner. Rick Hamricks pet capuchin that attacked him last year severed both of his thumbs.
The US Humane Society says at least seven wild animal attacks have happened in the state since 2003. One owner was even killed .She was strangled to death by her pet python.
They are looking to restrict the possession of any wild animals to only Zoos and accredited sanctuaries.
The Humane Society adds the rules would still apply even if the animal was neutered or defanged. However the process of defanging is considered cruelty to animals.
www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-humane-society-monkey-folo,0,3926749.story
