diff --git a/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_controller.dm b/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_controller.dm
index ecfedb86daf..215f0a96302 100644
--- a/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_controller.dm
+++ b/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_controller.dm
@@ -76,7 +76,8 @@ have ways of interacting with a specific mob and control it.
 		return AI_CONTROLLER_INCOMPATIBLE
 
 	var/mob/living/living_pawn = new_pawn
-	living_pawn.AddElement(/datum/element/relay_attackers)
+	if(!HAS_TRAIT(living_pawn, TRAIT_RELAYING_ATTACKER))
+		living_pawn.AddElement(/datum/element/relay_attackers)
 	RegisterSignal(new_pawn, COMSIG_ATOM_WAS_ATTACKED, PROC_REF(on_attacked))
 	RegisterSignal(new_pawn, COMSIG_LIVING_START_PULL, PROC_REF(on_startpulling))
 	RegisterSignal(new_pawn, COMSIG_LIVING_TRY_SYRINGE, PROC_REF(on_try_syringe))