Animal cruelty has sparked outrage in Richards Bay in KZN after a vervet monkey was shot and left to die in agony in Arboretum last week, Thursday (May 28), prompting a R10 000 reward for information that could lead to the shooter’s identification, reports Zululand Observer.

According to Richards Bay wildlife warrior Miriam Otto, the monkey would have experienced a slow, excruciating death.

“The bullet perforated his windpipe, causing air to fill his chest cavity until his lung collapsed,” said Otto.

“He died slowly, gasping, suffocating, fighting desperately for every breath while his body shut down in agony. Imagine the terror and pain of not being able to breathe, of choking to death while fully conscious.”

Otto said the monkey had also been shot in the legs, leaving it unable to escape.

“Terrified, injured and dying, he dragged himself across a woman’s carport searching for safety while you stood there with your rifle,” said Otto, expressing her anger at the shooter.

“The homeowner was left traumatised by the horrifying sight. She thought there was an intruder on her roof, only to discover a broken, suffering monkey crawling for his life.”

Otto warned the shooter that residents of Maroelamoot Street are keeping a close watch for any further acts of animal cruelty in the area.

Another incident

Another vervet monkey was reportedly shot earlier this week at Pompano Place, a self-catering holiday accommodation complex in Meerensee.

According to Otto, this is the third monkey to have been shot at the entrance to the complex.

“The mother was still nursing her baby. Not too long ago, we rescued a monkey from across the road; it had also been shot and fell off an air-conditioner onto paving, where dogs got hold of it. Does nobody hear anything? Next time it could be a child’s eye. There is no place for shooters in our community, and unless people come forward, this pathetic and sick trend will continue,” she said.

Prosecution

According to the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, it is an offence to discharge a firearm in a built-up area or any public place without a valid, justifiable reason. Firearms include pellet guns, BB guns and air rifles.

Shooting monkeys may lead to prosecution under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which carries penalties including heavy fines and imprisonment.

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