A Daviess County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a chimpanzee that attacked him Monday night in Winston, Mo.

Meanwhile, a subsequent search of the residence where the incident occurred resulted in the filing of animal abuse and neglect charges against three people, the sheriff's department added.

The situation began unfolding shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday, when deputies were dispatched to a Winston residence on a call of a chimpanzee running loose. Deputies assisted the owners in trying to recapture or corral the animal. After several failed attempts, the chimp opened a patrol car, grabbed a deputy's leg and tried to strike the officer.

"The deputy struck the chimp in the chest, pushing him away," the sheriff's department said. "The chimp attempted to attack the deputy again. This time, the deputy had to use deadly force in self-defense."

The deputy, Larry Adams, suffered minor injuries. The chimp's owners received cuts and scratches from the attack and were treated at the scene.

Officers returned to the residence Tuesday - where they carried out a search warrant concerning reported animal abuse and neglect - and made the arrests.

Brent Daniel Hudson, 49; Cherace Hudson, 41; and Mary C. Overton, 52, all of Winston, each face one charge of operating an animal care facility as a breeder or dealer without a license; two counts of animal abuse; nine counts of violating provisions regarding disposal of dead animals; one count of animal neglect or abandonment; and four counts of keeping a dangerous wild animal without registration filed with local law enforcement. The charges were filed Wednesday. Bond was set at $5,000 apiece.

According to a probable cause statement the sheriff filed with the Daviess County prosecutor's office, Mr. Hudson was the owner of Timmy, a large 9-year-old chimpanzee. Mr. Hudson failed to keep the animal under adequate control and from running at large on Missouri Route Y Monday, resulting in the attack on Mr. Adams, the statement continued.

Mr. Hudson also failed to have four primates living at the address registered with local law enforcement. He also allegedly committed the crime of animal abuse by failing to provide adequate care to 13 types of dogs at the house.

"The animals were living in extreme filth," the statement said. Two dogs were immediately taken to an animal hospital. Mr. Hudson also is charged with failing to properly dispose of nine deceased dogs located outside the residence.

Evidence discovered at the residence further revealed an apparent commercial animal breeding operation.

The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the location and recovery of dogs removed from the residence. The Missouri Department of Agriculture responded and requested the society's assistance in rescuing an estimated 200 dogs and three primates.

People with information on the whereabouts of the remaining dogs should contact the Humane Society of Missouri's animal abuse hotline at (314) 647-4400.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.