Owner of Monkey in Salem Riverfront Park Incident Comes Forward

The monkey was supposed to remain at the individual's residence, and not to be taken out in public.

The monkey turned out to be a Capuchin which has no teeth. It is a companion animal that wasn't supposed to be outdoors.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This afternoon, officers located and contacted the owner of the monkey involved in what was believed to be a biting incident Saturday afternoon just before 5:00 p.m. at Riverfront Park.

The owner of the monkey was identified as 53-year old Warren S. Welke of Salem. The monkey, described by Salem Police Lt. Jim Anglemier as a 20-year old female 'Capuchin' monkey, which was with Welke at his residence.

"The investigation revealed that Welke, his monkey and his mother went to Riverfront Park to meet a relative. The monkey, who was wearing a leash acted calm as Welke and his mother sat and waited on the park bench for their relative," Anglemier said.

"Welke did not expect the monkey to draw the attention of the kids in the area as it did. Up to this time, the monkey had been sitting calmly in Welke's lap."

Anglemier says that when the six year old girl approached Welke and the monkey, she was told several times not to get close to the monkey according to Welke and other witnesses.

"However, the girl continued to get close. Without warning, the monkey jumped onto the girl's shoulder and head. The girl sustained two puncture wounds and scratches. It appears this was caused by the monkey's fingernails as the monkey has no teeth. The girl and the monkey were quickly separated."

Anglemier says Welke, the monkey and his mother left the park to avoid any further incidents from occurring and returned home. Welke said he was was shocked by the incident when asked why he did not contact the police about the incident.

Anglemier said, "Welke has owned the monkey for one year as a companion animal due to a medical condition. The monkey is healthy and current on its medical vaccinations. The monkey was obtained through a non-profit organization that trains service monkey's to help individuals with mobility impairments."

"In the organization's 30-year history, this is the first incident of this nature. An organizational representative responded and worked with the officer's, and Marion County Environmental Health and State Veterinarian," according to Anglemier.

The monkey, which is provided to individuals is done so with the agreement that the monkey is to remain at the individual's residence, and not to be taken out in public.

The only time allowed outside of the residence would be for a veterinarian appointment and even then, the monkey is to be transported in a animal carrier for the safety of the monkey and others.

The monkey was released to the organization representative who will return the monkey to their facility where it will remain for a minimum of six months quarantine under the care of their veterinarian. This arrangement was agreed upon after consultation with the organization, Marion County and State of Oregon Health officials.

Officer's have contacted the Marion County District Attorney's Office regarding the investigation. At this point, no criminal charges will be pursued.

The investigating Officer's also responded to talk with the parents of the little girl who was injured in this incident.