An Irish model has claimed that her pet monkey passed away from depression after a thief stole him out of the family home.

Any traumatic event can have a long lasting impact on animals just like it is for humans.

An Irish model who lives in Kildare, Ireland claims that her pet monkey passed away from depression after a thief stole him out of the family home. Jennifer Murphy is speaking out about the ordeal after the man responsible for stealing the animal, Paul Murtagh was convicted of the crime and sentenced to community service.

It all started in October of 2012. Alvin the monkey was only 2.5 years old when Murtagh snatched him from the Murphy’s home. The monkey was reportedly contained in a tiny cage and placed in the trunk of Murtagh’s vehicle.

Eventually police caught up with the suspect and Alvin was returned to the Murphys but he was never the same. Jennifer stated “He definitely had a version of post-traumatic stress disorder. When he arrived home to us, he was hiding under his blanket and wouldn't come out.”

According to Jennifer, Alvin suffered from severe depression after the ordeal and passed away just one month after returning home.

Jennifer’s children are asking for a new monkey, but the family doesn’t believe Alvin can ever be replaced.