Kangaroo at Wisconsin McDonald's prompts police visit

BEAVER DAM, Wis., Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The Wisconsin couple whose pet kangaroo sparked a call to police during a visit to McDonald's said the marsupial is a therapy animal.

Larry and Diana Moyer said they own five kangaroos at their home outside of Beaver Dam and the youngest of the animals, named Jimmy, often accompanies them on outings. They said Friday's trip to McDonald's was the first time police were called on the 8-month-old kangaroo, despite his having visited the restaurant on several previous occasions.

"I wish the person in McDonald's would have just come and talked to me instead," Diana Moyer told the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen.

Larry Moyer said Jimmy is friendly to strangers.

"He's just a little guy, but you can touch him and pet him," he told WISN-TV.

The couple said Jimmy serves as a therapy animal for Diana Moyer while she receives treatment for cancer.

"It's a friend for her, a companion and we have a little car seat and stroller," Larry Moyer said. Beaver Dam Police said the Moyers were not cited during Friday's incident at McDonald's, despite a ban on exotic pets in the city.

"While it's an unusual call, certainly handled in an appropriate manner going in and ultimately getting what we'd like to get voluntary compliance with the ordinance, there was not a reason for arrests or other citations issued," Beaver Dam police Detective Ryan Klavekoske said.

The Moyers said their 70-acre farm outside of Beaver Dam also houses sheep, goats, emu, white-tailed deer, horses, ducks, geese, chickens, peacocks and a dog.

McDonald's issued a statement in response to an inquiry by WISN-TV.

"We are aware a customer called the authorities regarding this incident, who then investigated and took the steps to resolve the situation. Our policy is to make our restaurants accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities and special needs."