CRIME & LAW

Misinformation Leads to Euthanizing Escaped Monkeys in Mississippi

After a truck overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, Miss., sheriff’s deputies shot and euthanized five of 21 rhesus monkeys that escaped, acting on a driver’s mistaken claim the animals carried Covid-19, hepatitis C and herpes, authorities said. Three monkeys remained loose Wednesday as photos showed crates scattered across the median. Hours after warning the public, deputies were told by Tulane University the monkeys had not been exposed to any infectious agent and were not being transported by the university. Animal welfare groups, including PETA, criticized the response and demanded necropsies.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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