Outrage over poisoning of monkeys at Ballito complex

Animal lovers are furious over the poisoning of vervet monkeys at a Ballito complex.

Four monkeys – 2 males, an adult female and a baby – were found poisoned in the garden of Santorini by the estate groundskeeper last Tuesday morning.

Ballito Monkey Helpline Group rescuer, Mike Lynch, who responded to the call, said he found one of the adult monkeys still alive, foaming at the mouth and convulsing.

“He was in great distress and bewildered. He was clearly the patriarch of the troop. He tried with the little coordination and strength he had left in him to escape from me but these attempts were futile as he was shivering and in a great deal of pain.”

The monkey was taken to Aloe Veterinary Clinic in Ballito for treatment.

“The veterinary doctor worked tirelessly to save the poisoned monkey but after more than 20 minutes his attempts were futile,” said a devastated Lynch. The monkey was finally euthanised.

A second case of poisoning was reported on Friday morning. One small female monkey was still alive when Lynch arrived.

“She was still clinging onto the poison when I arrived. She was placed on a drip and is still fighting for her life,” he said.

Durban and Coast SPCA spokesperson Tanya Fleischer said they were investigating and warned that even though vervet monkeys were not protected by conservation laws, people who were found to harm them intentionally could be charged and sentenced under the Animals Protection Act, which carries jail time of 3 years or a maximum fine of R60 000.

Fleischer appealed to the public to involve them from the outset in cases of animal cruelty.

“Our chances of successfully prosecuting perpetrators of cruelty are often severely compromised when the SPCA is not timeously involved.

The proper process of opening dockets in cruelty cases must be adhered to, with sufficient evidence and witness statements.

The board and management of Santorini condemned the poisoning:

“We view very seriously the 2 recent incidents at the estate where a total of 5 monkeys were found dead. A case has been opened with the Saps and residents have been reminded not to feed or encourage the monkeys on the property as well as the fact that it is a criminal offence to harm the monkeys in any way.”

To report any act of animal cruelty contact the SPCA at 031 579 6501.