Writing Assignment #1 Post #2
The 200 pound chimpanzee that mauled its owner’s friend and was fatally shot Monday also attacked another woman in 1996.

Leslie Mostel-Paul said the chimp bit her hand and attempted to pull her into a vehicle. She told the owner, Sandra Herold, and the police of the incident. Mostel-Paul said this recent attack may have been able to be prevented if actions were taken when she was injured.

I think there should be tighter restrictions on ordinary citizens owning wild animals. When incidents like this occur, it becomes a danger to the public and that cannot be tolerated.
Herold said the chimpanzee’s actions were “out of character” and he was being protective of his owner. Animal control officer, Lynn DellaBianca said after another incident in 2003, the animal’s behavior was “worrisome” and needed to be kept under control.

I think one thing that must always be kept in perspective is that animals will always be animals no matter how much we like to think they are domesticated. They still have animal instincts and will react with them.

Authorities have not yet released whether or not criminal charges will be pressed against Herold.

When anyone decides to own a pet they take full responsibility for taking care of and supervising the animal and that can be especially difficult for wild animal owners. Regardless, I do believe Herold needs to be held accountable for the actions of her pet.