Kill monkeys and face the might of the law
ANIMAL rights activists are close to a breakthrough prosecution for the killing of monkeys if a man identified to have poisoned 13 monkeys in Hibberdene is charged following evidence found on his property.
Police and SPCA officials raided four properties last week after the monkeys were found dead in the Woodgrange area.
Michael Muller of the Lower South Coast SPCA said the evidence related to the poison used to kill the monkeys being found on one of the properties. A high-powered pellet gun was also confiscated.
It is believed that the poison, Aldicarb, also known as Temik and colloquially called Two Step, is being used to kill monkeys.
“Poison identified to be used on the monkeys was found. We also found fruit laced with poison in a shed on the property,” said Muller.
“We are happy with the progress we made on this case. The evidence has been sent for forensic testing and when the results come back, we should be ready to charge the suspect.”
The suspect would face charges of animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act.
Other activists said this week that they were concerned about an increasing number of vervet monkeys being poisoned and left for dead in KZN.
Last Sunday, seven monkeys were found dead in Escombe. The incident follows the poisoning of four monkeys in Hilton last week.
In Escombe, Monkey Helpline’s Carol Booth said the organisation was called to a “horrific” scene.
“We were devastated to be called to a residential property in Escombe where three monkeys and a Hadeda bird were found dead in the garden. The caller said the monkeys had no visible signs of injury on them. We immediately suspected poisoning but were totally unprepared for the scene that greeted us when we arrived,” said Booth.
She spotted seven dead monkeys and an eighth adult female barely alive, with her terrified baby clinging to her body.
“There were definite signs of poisoning visible and undoubtedly more dead and dying monkeys somewhere close by. But because it was dark we could not find them.
“KZN is experiencing a spate of monkey poisonings recently. In all of these incidents there would be other monkeys poisoned that would either lie in the bush nearby and die or be picked up by unsuspecting people and disposed of,” said Booth.
She said she hoped that the “despicable psychopaths” whose callous disregard for life must be of concern to all decent people, would be identified, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Tracy Rowles, of the Umsizi Umkomaas Vervet Rescue Centre, was involved in the Hibberdene case and said poisoning monkeys had a ripple effect.
“If that poisoned monkey is picked up to be eaten by someone, which happens often, that person could die from the poisoning. Water can become contaminated if the monkeys make it to rivers and streams. The fruits that monkeys ate while being poisoned can be picked up by human beings or other animals, if they consume it, they are at risk as well,” Rowles said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele confirmed the Hibberdene incident was being investigated.