BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WALB) - The Decatur County District Attorney has officially declared that he will bring his fight against a monkey facility to the Supreme Court.

This follows the Georgia Court of Appeals’ decision to rule in favor of the company over the facility, Safer Human Medicine (SHM).

Bainbridge neighbors said the district attorney’s intent to bring the matter to the Georgia Supreme Court motivates them to continue the fight they started almost a year ago.

“We’re tired, but at this very moment, catch your breath because it’s amping up,” said Elise Boyd who is a part of the Stand-up Bainbridge Movement.

SHM representatives released a new statement in response to the district attorney’s filing.

“There is still one case in the Federal Court in Albany that should proceed quickly now that the Appellate Court has ruled in SHM’s favor. SHM brought that case to compel the Development Authority to proceed with the project. The court held off on ruling until the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled.

The Court of Appeals’ decision was very clear about Georgia law and the economic development process. SHM will continue defending its rights to ensure this project moves forward. Our goal is to advance this project in Bainbridge, provide good jobs, ensure high-quality operations, and support the American medical research community.”

News of escaped monkeys in South Carolina has made opponents more impassioned in their fight against the facility.

“The monkey escape could not have come at a better time for us fighting this because now everyone sees what can happen and it’s not if it’s going to happen. It’s going to happen,” Boyd said.

SHM said it shares a concern for the well-being of all 43 monkeys but also can ensure their facility’s security measures distinguish it as the most innovative and secure of its kind.

Right now, there are no updates on two separate lawsuits residents filed against the city and Safer Human Medicine. But they tell WALB they are confident the Supreme Court will rule in their favor.

“We’re not done. It will not be done. We do believe that the Supreme Court is going to rule in our favor that the bond should be invalid because it was based on fraudulent information,” Boyd said. “We’re not done. We are not done at all. We would like more support from the community. We are tired. We’re tired of fighting this. It’s been almost a year.”

Mulholland said it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide whether they want to hear his appeal or agree with the Court of Appeals ruling.

Ultimately, he said he would continue to explore every avenue to stop the project from happening.

Previous Coverage:

• Ga. Court of Appeals rules in favor of Bainbridge monkey facility company
• FULL INTERVIEW: Company over Bainbridge monkey facility vows to build
• Company over Bainbridge monkey facility fights to intervene in legal battle
• Ga. Court of Appeals hears Bainbridge monkey facility arguments
• DA files legal brief concerning Bainbridge monkey facility, residents still fighting back
• Decision on Bainbridge monkey facility left up to courts
• Bainbridge residents file legal complaint against city, county agencies for violating Open Meetings Act
• UPDATE: Bainbridge Decatur Co. Development Authority cited for monkey facility land disturbance
• NEW DETAILS: Decatur Co. commissioners vote to take back support from monkey breeding facility project
• ‘This is an important project’: Bainbridge monkey facility officials address concerns
• Bainbridge monkey facility hits legal snag
• UPDATE: Bainbridge residents and PETA bring concerns about primate facility to city leaders
• New Bainbridge animal husbandry facility expected to bring over 200 jobs

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