No answer yet in Madison County monkey bite suit

A monkey’s owner who had been given 30 days to file an answer to a suit alleging an attack on a minor boy that occurred in a Godfrey park has not responded to a Madison County personal injury suit.

The summons, filed on June 13,  states that defendant Kendra Hougland's failure to answer the summons could result in a default judgment.

Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth is assigned to the case.

Jacob Calvert claims his son, Ayden Calvert, was attacked and bitten by a Java Macaque Monkey named Nina at Godfrey Glazebrook Park in Godfrey on June 2.

According to the complaint, Ayden Calvert suffered great pain, lost time from his normal affairs and required medical attention due to the attack.

The suit was filed under a dog bite statute, which states that an animal's owner is responsible for a victim’s medical expenses. Kendra Hougland, who owns Nina will be held accountable, the complaint claims.

The plaintiff is seeking an unknown judgment of more than $50,000.

Steven W. Selby of Smith, Mendenhall and Selby in Alton is representing Calvert.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 13-L-986