SPCA opens criminal case after baboon shot

CONSERVATION lobby groups and activists have commended the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for opening a criminal case after a female member of the Constantia Two baboon troop was shot in the chest and subsequently euthanised last month.

The organisation laid charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 relating to the “horrific suffering” the baboon experienced, in addition to charges under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 for the use of a firearm in a residential area and the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 for the unlawful hunting of a protected species.

Environmental activists and organisations had for some time been calling for the reinstatement of rangers to the troop which were withdrawn in April. Activists said this withdrawal resulted in numerous baboons dying from injuries caused by vehicle accidents and being shot at.

Some of the reasons given by the City for the withdrawal included the unfavourable forest environment and that rangers were not permitted to gain access to the many large residential properties. It said the growth in the baboon population affected the allocation of rangers to new troops.

The City said its service provider advised residents on baboon-proofing their properties and responsibly managing their waste and bins to reduce access by baboons.

SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieters said a post-mortem was conducted at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA where a penetrating wound to the baboon’s chest was found and a small calibre bullet was removed from the muscle adjacent to the spine.

He said the bullet had penetrated the lobe of the baboon’s right lower lung. Pieters said several pellets were found in the animal’s body.

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances of the incident were under investigation. He said the motive for the attack was unknown.

Lorraine Holloway, from Baboons of the South, who commended the SPCA for pursuing justice in this incident, said the case deserved a prosecution considering the suffering of the baboon and the breaking of three laws.