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PETA files new motion in Tonia Haddix case, citing ‘Chimp Crazy’ as evidence

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PETA files new motion in Tonia Haddix case, citing 'Chimp Crazy' as evidence

As a lifelong cinema devotee who has witnessed countless legal dramas unfold on the silver screen, I find the ongoing saga of Tonia Haddix and her chimpanzees to be nothing short of cinematic. The latest twist, with PETA using the HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy” as evidence in their case against Haddix, is a fascinating blend of reality and drama that would make even the most seasoned screenwriter green with envy.

The “Chimp Crazy” legal saga continues.

On Wednesday, PETA submitted a fresh petition in its legal battle with Tonia Haddix, referencing incidents depicted in the HBO documentary as proof. The animal welfare organization is aiming for a court order compelling Haddix and her alleged associates to demonstrate that they have not breached past court rulings or lied under oath during previous hearings.

In August, a four-part series titled “Chimp Crazy” premiered, focusing on Haddix, a new caretaker who assumed control over the former Missouri Primate Foundation, all while engaged in a contentious legal dispute with PETA over the ownership of several chimpanzees.

In a recent court submission to the Eastern District of Missouri, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asserts that the show “Chimp Crazy” provides fresh proof of Haddix’s habitual deceit and disregard for court orders, along with admissions. The motion submitted by PETA offers specific time stamps from each episode, which they claim demonstrate instances where Haddix allegedly violated court orders. These include actions such as relocating chimpanzees without permission, revealing details about the court-mandated transfer of these animals, and recording videos of these transfers – all of which are explicitly prohibited by the courts. Furthermore, according to PETA’s motion, even having recording equipment during her court hearings was not permitted.

The Endangered Species Act, as Congress intended and as upheld by the court, is not functioning effectively due to insufficient response to contempt. Haddix’s open defiance of the court, followed by profiting from her disobedience by broadcasting it to a national audience, encourages future defendants to engage in similar misconduct unless the court takes decisive action to intervene.

Haddix could not immediately be reached for comment.

In the book “Chimp Crazy,” one extraordinary scene involves Haddix testifying in a virtual court hearing, denying any involvement in Tonka’s disappearance. This chimp was supposedly dead according to her false claims, but in reality, she had kidnapped and concealed him to prevent his transfer to an animal sanctuary as mandated. The series reveals this act of Haddix’s deception regarding Tonka.

After some time, Tonka was located and taken away from Haddix’s care, and he was moved to a sanctuary. In the year 2022, Haddix was mandated by the court to pay over $220,000 to PETA, covering attorney fees and other expenses incurred during the case. At that point, the court recommended Haddix and her husband, Jerry Aswegan, for a criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney; however, they have yet to be charged with any offenses related to the “Chimp Crazy” incident. (Aswegan was unavailable for comment at the time.)

As PETA states, the fame Haddix garnered from appearing in the docuseries – such as being spoofed by “Saturday Night Live” – has given her a platform to leverage her “blatant disregard” for court orders via merchandising and other opportunities that have arisen due to her newfound celebrity status. This suggests an intentional attempt on her part to profit from her alleged misconduct.

In addition to PETA’s claims, “Chimp Crazy” is believed to involve Aswegan, Connie Casey (founder of Missouri Primate Foundation), and Cy Viestra (formerly in charge of a roadside zoo in Ohio). It’s important to note that Viestra was previously convicted for misappropriating funds from the township where he worked.

The motion further proposes that PETA be granted permission by the court to uncover more evidence concerning the “Chimp Crazy” exposures. Should the court rule Haddix and her suspected accomplices in contempt, PETA aims for suitable penalties and reimbursement for the costs related to this fresh submission.

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2024-10-30 21:01

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