Judge: Woman's monkey not a service animal

upi ^ | Oct. 23, 2009

[JoeProBono]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- A Missouri woman whose monkey was denied status as a service animal said having to leave the pet at home will restrict her activities.

Debby Rose of Springfield said a federal judge rejected her lawsuit against the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, CoxHealth and Wal-Mart East for failing to recognize her Bonnet Macaque monkey, Richard, as a service animal, The (Springfield, Mo.) News-Leader reported Friday.

"It's devastating; it's devastating," said Rose, who purchased the monkey in 2004. "I feel like I'm discriminated against in Greene County. What can I say?"

Rose said in her suit that she suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety. However, Judge Richard Dorr said in his ruling that Rose has been married three times, has six children, worked several jobs and moved in and out of the state several times. He said she was not diagnosed with her conditions until 2006, two years after she obtained the monkey.

The lawsuit claimed Richard qualified as a service animal because his actions had the effect of "breaking the spell" and " breaking off the focus." However, Dorr ruled the monkey's activities did not address any disabilities Rose might have.

[6SJ7]

" I've heard tell that Sir Gerald Nabardo has a pet prawn called 'Simon'--you wouldn't call him a looney..."

[Daffynition]

[steveo]

What’s sad is that I remember those adverts.

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[Daffynition]

[Dysart]

At this news, was the monkey shocked?

[left that other site]

Now we have screaming herds of feral monkeys in Miami causing great mischief.

They are probably the descendants of those $18.95 Darling Pet Monkeys in the ad!

[JRios1968]

[goseminoles]

The monkey’s name is Dick?

[Daffynition]

[MediaMole]

[JoeProBono]

YEAH!

That’s what I mean

[Daffynition]

My personal trainer is working overtime.

[JoeProBono]

[Daffynition]

[JoeProBono]

[Daffynition]