The CertaPet team would like to welcome you to the latest edition of their seminal newsletter. Our news reports this week feature an Emotional Support Monkey and a missing Service Animal. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Emotional Support Monkey With Allegedly Bogus Paperwork Scratches A Toddler At A Bedford Walmart
A 3-year-old child is in recovery after being scratched by a monkey inside a Walmart in Bedford, Indiana, earlier this week. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon, and the local police responded to the incident.
Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore confirmed that a 16-year-old Java Macaque monkey (wearing a diaper and a leash) scratched the child. The monkey’s owner claimed it to be an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). According to the injured child’s mother, the owner presented paperwork for an ESA, but the documents were registered to a dog.
She expressed frustration, stating the monkey attacked her toddler unprovoked and that the authorities did not take the animal. She now hopes Indiana lawmakers will introduce stricter regulations on wild animals in public places. It’s unclear whether the child’s parents filed a report with the police at this time.
Source: Fox59
Employees At A Boarding Facility Fraudulently Sold A Service Dog As Animal Control Shut Down The Establishment
Marla Haller got Uriee the Service Dog for her mother, Joanna Sawyer, who was battling heart failure. However, after her mother’s passing, Haller boarded Uriee at the Coeur d’Alene-based Faithful K9 Training facility as she handled funeral arrangements.
Unknown to Haller, animal control shut down the kennel after the death of a canine from heat exhaustion. Meanwhile, during these events, Uriee was reportedly sold to some couple, while Haller believed all was well with the Service Animal. Haller stated she’d used the facility before and thought Uriee would be safe while she focused on her mom.
However, when Haller returned, Uriee was missing. After contacting animal control and investigating further, she discovered that Faithful K9’s owner, Richard Alaniz, had been jailed (on unrelated charges). Monique Smith, the Service Dog’s trainer, and Haller learned from a facility employee that a worker allegedly sold Uriee to a couple on Facebook.
Smith also claims Faithful K9 neutered Uriee without permission and has filed a claim for malicious injury. Both women are asking the new owners to return Uriee, with Smith expressing her deep attachment to the dog and the urgent need to bring him home.
Source: Krem
CertaPet’s Thoughts
The debate around allowing ESAs into public places such as supermarkets is a hot topic nowadays. Critics claim that some people use fraudulent documentation to bring their pets with them and end up disturbing or endangering others.
But Prairie Conlon, LPC, LCMHC, NCC — CertaPet’s Clinical Director says it best.
This incident in Bedford, Indiana, highlights a critical issue—the misuse of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). ESAs are intended to provide comfort through companionship, not to replace trained service animals or bypass safety regulations. Presenting a monkey with paperwork registered to a dog not only undermines the purpose of ESAs but also erodes public trust, making it harder for those with legitimate needs to receive support.
At CertaPet, we stress the importance of responsible ownership and proper documentation. Exotic animals, like a Java Macaque, are inappropriate as ESAs due to safety risks. Clearer guidelines are essential to ensure ESAs are used responsibly and safely. Moving forward, it’s crucial that mental health professionals and lawmakers collaborate to prevent misuse, protect public safety, and preserve the value of ESAs in supporting mental well-being.
If you’re living with a mental illness, getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) could really help your recovery. These loving animals could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your ESA letter in no time.