VIDEO: Monkeys in agony after poisoning in Salt Rock
Footage of the monkeys looking dazed and in pain has quickly spread, causing shock and sadness in the community.
In a heartless act that has many locals fuming, three monkeys were found poisoned in Dunkirk Estate yesterday afternoon.
Steve Smit from the Monkey Helpline told the Courier the monkeys were found unresponsive at the dump site in the estate and rushed to the vet before they took custody of the animals.
One of theprimates was already dead while the other two were in a critical condition.
According to Smit, the monkeys were poisoned using an organophosphate such as temik, also known as “two-step” as it is so deadly that the saying goes that you will die after two steps when it is ingested.
“There is absolutely no doubt that this was a deliberate poisoning,” he said.
“An autopsy was conducted on the 10-month-old youngster that passed away and we found bread with little black pellets inside, so someone intentionally hid the poison in the bread and left it at the dump where they knew the monkeys often forage.”
Such thoughtless action, says Smit, endangers much more than just monkeys.
“Many animals forage at dump sites: duiker, hadedas, mongoose – all would eat bread if they found it.”
Organophosphate poisoning leads to an extremely painful, lingering death.
“These poor little fellows would have died in terrible pain, wracked by unbearable muscle cramps and seizures.
“Dying this way would be your worst nightmare.”
Smit commended the estate for the strong stance they have taken in condemning the act.
The estate confirmed to the Courier that they were paying for tests to determine the poison used and would be conducting an investigation to identify the guilty party.
Since news of the inhumane poisoning went out, a R1000 reward has been offered by local resident Craig Johnson for information that will lead to the identification of the culprit.
Smit said that nothing could ever justify putting another living creature through such an agonizing death.
“If you having an issue with monkeys, please don’t resort to such cruel actions, contact the Monkey Helpline at 082 411 5444.”
WATCH: Steve Smit from the monkey helpline tends to two of the poisoned monkeys.
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