LETTERS: Meerkat and mongoose must be returned

We are totally disgusted and appalled with the removal of the mongoose and meerkat by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Umhlali SAPS (Police confiscate wild pets, Courier November 18).
These two little animals are clearly loved, if you look at the relaxed and comforting way the meerkat was in that person’s arms and certainly did not look ill-treated or unloved in any way.
To says they carry diseases, please! No more than all animals, be they in the wild or domesticated. More diseases are spread and caught by actually standing in a queue at the bank or shop, with humans coughing and sneezing all around you.
These people did have a temporary permit, so why were they not asked to get a new one? The fate of these two animals is now unknown as they will never survive out in the world. They certainly were not ill-treated and received love and care which they will now no longer get.
We are animal lovers being very involved with the monkeys at our home and know that lots of residents in this area do not want any contact with them or any wildlife. And would like everything to themselves, with them removed.
Whoever reported the people, I hope you are happy with the outcome and you must live with your conscience, if you have one.
We as a family appeal to CROW and Ezemvelo to sort out the necessary permits and return these two defenceless animals to the people they love and trust as soon as possible.

YVONNE BROTHERTON
Salt Rock