Monkey poisoning suspects identified

A PRIVATE investigator appointed to probe the poisoning of 13 monkeys in eMdloti, north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has identified suspects who might have been behind the incident.

Sean Peirce told the Cape Times’ sister publication The Mercury suspects and witnesses had been identified.

“Samples have been taken to a labo-ratory for testing and we are awaiting the outcome. Once that has been received, it will be handed over to the SPCA.

“A case can be opened under the Animal Cruelty Act,” he said.

The investigator declined to say how many people had been questioned, saying he wanted to follow protocol.

At the weekend, a troupe of monkeys from the area were given a loaf of bread laced with Aldicarb (Temik), an insecticide that is more harmful than arsenic.

Nine more monkeys were recovering at vets in the area.

Carol Booth, of the Monkey Helpline, said it would take a while for the monkeys to be fully well and released.

She said apart from physical harm, they suffered neurological damage.

SPCA Durban and Coast marketing manager Tanya Fleischer said it was saddened by the monkeys’ poisoning.

“We are investigating this case, working with various private investigators and organisations to gather all necessary information. We need to collect evidence and are following up on leads.

“Once we have more information, we will update the public,“Fleischer said.

She urged residents to be mindful of all wildlife, saying that monkeys were trying to survive.

“We have built in their habitat. Rather take your own preventative measures to remove temptations of monkeys and other animals entering your home,” she said.