Father of boy bit by monkey seeks damages under dog bite statute

The father of a minor boy has filed suit against the owner of a monkey, which he claims bit his son while they were visiting the park.

Jacob Calvert claims his son, Ayden Calvert, was visiting Godfrey Glazebrook Park in Godfrey on June 2 when a Java Macaque monkey named Nina attacked and bit him.

Because of the incident, Ayden Calvert suffered great pain, lost time from his normal affairs and required medical care, according to the complaint filed June 13 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Under the dog bite statute, defendant Kendra Hougland, who owned the monkey, is responsible for Ayden Calvert’s medical expenses, the suit states.

In his complaint, Jacob Calvert is seeking an unspecified judgment that will adequately compensate him of more than $50,000.

Steven W. Selby of Smith, Mendenhall and Selby in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-986.