A terrible case with a pet that forced to change the country's legislation (8 photos)

Pets give a lot of positive, joy, teach care and compassion. But it is important to clearly define the border that is not worth step over when choosing an animal.





In 1995, Missouri couple Sandra and Jerome Herold took custody of a small chimpanzee whose mother was shot dead. The monkey was only a few days old, and the couple raised Travis as They named the baby as their own child.



Sandra Herold and Travis

Travis is very smart. Used canteens tools, learned to open locks, take care of the garden. Even sat at driving a car. Several times he took part in television shows and starred in a Pepsi commercial, after which he became a celebrity already nationwide scale.

In 2004, Jerome's life was cut short by oncology. A bit earlier the son of Geroldov died in an accident. Sandra was left alone. And the only a consolation for her was the primacy, which she pampered, fed goodies and even slept with Travis in the same bed.



Travis as a child

The moment came when the chimpanzee stopped obeying woman. Apparently, the aggression provoked by the sexual instinct had an effect. Sandra was frightened and began to give her pet tranquilizers. which, like Later it turned out that in many respects they provoked the aggression of the animal.

On February 16, 2009, a 90 kg male ran away from the house. Confused, Sandra called for help from longtime friend Charla Nash, hoping that she will help to catch a capricious animal. Charla Travis knew very well childhood.



Charla Nash

Just on that day, dividing her life into before and after, The 55-year-old woman went to the hairdresser and changed her hairstyle. She responded to a friend's request to lure a monkey into the house. But Travis is not recognized the woman and attacked the unfortunate woman, literally tearing her to pieces.

Sandra tried to stab Travis with a knife, but for aggressive giant, it was tantamount to a pin prick. Then the woman hid in car and called 911.



Charla with little Travis

Amazingly, Charla survived. But the distraught chimpanzee literally tore off a woman's face, depriving her of her nose, lips and eyes. Tore off the bottom jaw and gnawed off the hands. The police arrived and shot the monkey.

And for the unfortunate victim of the mad animal, a series of painful operations. In total, she endured more than 30. The woman received a new face through the efforts of doctors. But save the sight they failed. An attempt to transplant the hands was also unsuccessful: the body rejected the transplants and they had to be removed.



Charla after the tragedy

During a lengthy legal battle that complicated by the death of the owner of the monkey in 2010, the court decided to sell house, car and other property of Sandra to compensate for damages in $4 million.



After a terrifying high-profile case, the US Congress passed a law prohibiting the keeping of primates in the home. Of course he did not help return Charla's eyes and hands, but protected potential victims aggressive animals.



Place of wild animals in the wild. Very important closely monitor any pet and fully take responsibility for his life and behavior in order to avoid such tragic cases.