Vermont to issue permit for helper monkey

MONTPELIER — The state is willing to grant a permit to allow a Williston woman to have a monkey as a service animal, with a series of conditions, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche told legislators Thursday...

Zappia, who has progressive multiple sclerosis that requires her to use a wheelchair, wants the monkey to help her with household tasks she finds gradually more difficult, such as picking up dropped items or reaching into the back of a shelf. The monkey would also provide companionship, she said.

She has applied to Helping Hands, a 30-year-old organization based in Boston, that breeds, trains and provides small, capuchin monkeys for these purposes...

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