Therapy Monkey Seized From Cancer-Stricken N. Versailles Woman

NORTH VERSAILLES. Pa.,None — A woman in North Versailles who is hearing impaired and battling cancer said her pet therapy monkey was taken away by authorities.

Samuel Govannucci said he got the small monkey, named Kira, about 10 years ago as he was recovering from an accident. He said the creature became more important when his wife was diagnosed with leukemia.

However, the Wildlife Commission seized the monkey during a raid in April and fined Govannucci for illegally possessing the animal.

"I started getting sick and weak, and I needed her even more," said Amanda Govannucci. "When he told me that these people were raiding the house and they took my animal, I'm like freaking out. I can't sleep."

Amanda Govannucci said she was in the hospital when officials converged on the home and took Kira. Her husband was home when it happened.

"They go after (Kira) with these radiation suits and these big, long poles trying to tranquilize her. Three people were going after a little 10-pound monkey," Samuel Govannucci said.

Wildlife Commission officials said the monkey is a potential threat. A spokesman from the commission said, "These animals carry all kinds of diseases that affect other animals and people. It was a public health issue."

On Wednesday, Samuel Govannucci was found guilty of possession of a monkey without a permit.

Amanda Govannucci said she has hearing problems and Kira would alert her when someone was at the door.

"She would help me with hearing things. Like she would make calls, make noises and I would know if someone was knocking at the door," said Amanda Govannucci.

The Govannuccis said they registered the animal, but not because it was required by law.

"If he would call the ADA, they would tell him a therapy animal does not have to be registered under federal law. I registered her just to make them happy," Amanda Govannucci said.

But the commission said the Govannuccis don't have the right permits. The couple said they plan on appealing the court ruling.

"She has terminal leukemia and they're bullying around a woman that's dying in six months and they think it's OK," Sam Govannucci said.

The Govannuccis said they believe someone called the Wildlife Commission after seeing photos of the monkey on their Myspace page.

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