A Texas judge will decide whether Abu the spider monkey remains in official custody or is moved to a primate preserve after allegedly biting a police sergeant.

At a Glance

• Abu, a spider monkey owned by a Pelican Bay woman, allegedly bit a police sergeant in August.
• City ordinance bans ownership of exotic primates, placing Abu’s custody in legal dispute.
• Health officials raised concerns over rabies; Abu’s last vaccines were in May 2023.
• The monkey is currently housed at a Johnson County facility pending court decision.
• A hearing on custody is scheduled for September 18 in Pelican Bay.

The Bite That Sparked the Case

The case began when Sgt. Justin Spurgeon of the Pelican Bay Police Department reported that Abu bit him during an encounter in early August. The alleged bite caused puncture wounds and bleeding, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities. Abu was seized under the city’s exotic animal ordinance, which prohibits residents from owning spider monkeys and similar primates.

Health officials quickly became involved, as rabies exposure was a potential concern. Records showed Abu’s most recent vaccinations were administered in May 2023. State health guidance indicated that confirming rabies infection would require euthanizing the monkey, a possibility that heightened public scrutiny of the case.

Watch now: Pelican Bay Police Seek Court Decision On Fate Of Spider Monkey

Custody Battle and Care Concerns

Abu’s owner, Carmen, has strongly contested the seizure, arguing that Abu has been part of her daily life for more than two years. She raised objections over the animal’s current housing at a Johnson County facility, claiming Abu was being kept in a bird cage and not under proper primate-certified care. Her attorney has pressed for Abu’s transfer to Funky Monkey Ranch, a licensed primate preserve in Burleson, which they say can provide appropriate long-term care.

City officials, however, maintain that Abu must remain under official custody while the case proceeds. They cite both the exotic animal ban and public safety concerns following the bite incident. The issue has drawn local attention, as residents weigh questions of animal welfare, legal authority, and public safety.

Legal and Public Safety Dimensions

The court’s ruling will determine not only Abu’s immediate future but also the scope of Pelican Bay’s enforcement powers under its ordinance. Legal observers note that similar disputes over exotic pets often pit personal ownership rights against broader community safety concerns. The involvement of state health officials underscores the seriousness of potential rabies exposure, even though no definitive infection has been found.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife has also suggested that Abu may have been smuggled into the United States, though no direct allegations have been made against the current owner. If substantiated, that could add another layer of legal complexity to the case. For now, the judge’s upcoming decision will set the course for where Abu will live, whether in a preserve, under state custody, or another approved facility.

Sources

CBS News Texas
Associated Press
Fort Worth Star-Telegram