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Workers Comp Bill Prompted by Chimp Attack Moves to Senate

Thursday, Mar 11, 2010 | Updated 3:00 PM EST

ASSOCIATED PRESS

FILE - This Oct. 20, 2003 file photo shows Travis, a 10-year-old chimpanzee, sitting in the corner of his playroom at the home of Sandra and Jerome Herold in Stamford, Conn. An attorney for Sandra Herold is arguing that Travis's Feb. 2009 attack on an employee of Herold's tow truck company should be treated like a workers' compensation claim. (AP Photo/The Stamford Advocate, Kathleen O'Rourke, File) MANDATORY CREDIT

A law that would allow police officers to seek workers' compensation for stress after using deadly force on animals has moved to the state Senate.

The bill, which passed the Public Safety and Security Committee on Thursday, follows the violent chimpanzee attack on a woman in Stamford last year. The 200 pound pet chimp went on a rampage and mauled its' owner's friend, Charla Nash.

Officer Frank Chiafari, who shot the animal, told lawmakers how he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder because of the terrifying ordeal. His claim for workers' compensation was denied.

The bill is expected to be amended in the Senate. Supporters want to tighten the language of the bill so that it can't be abused.