Update: NSPCA responds to ‘Monkey Lady’ article

RESPONSE FROM THE NSPCA, October 22:

“We refer to an article that was published by the South Coast Herald titled ‘Monkey Lady’ shut down by Ezemvelo which was published on 17 October, 2018. We wish to correct statements that have been made that are inaccurate as follows:

“The letter, handed to her at her Umkomaas property today by members of the Hawks, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, read:”

The NSPCA was not on the premises on Wednesday, 17 October 2018. A joint inspection was conducted by Ezemvelo and the Amanzimtoti SPCA.

“Tracy has argued that both the NSPCA and Ezemvelo knew full well that she had been operating without a permit for some time now and she is now asking why it is only now a problem.”

The NSPCA is not mandated to enforce permits for keeping and rehabilitation of wild animals and this falls under Ezemvelo within the area that the Rehabilitation Centre is located. Our mandate is the welfare of the animals in captivity and enforcing the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962.

“At previous meetings with Tracy, it has reportedly been highlighted that the mandate, should any monkeys be brought to the SPCA, is that they be euthanised.”

The Rule in terms of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act No. 169 of 1993 states: “All stray, surrendered, confiscated, sick or injured indigenous wildlife admitted to an SPCA must be transferred to a rehabilitation and release centre approved by the NSPCA to handle the species”. An animal will only be euthanased if it is in such a condition that to keep it alive would be cruel and be in the best interests of the animal.”

UPDATE: October 18

FORMER Scottburgh High pupil, Mxo Bele has claimed responsibility for reporting ‘monkey lady’ Tracy Rowles to the authorities – an action he carried out, he said, because of various health issues he and his relatives have had to endure over the years.

In a post published on the Mid South Coast Mail’s Facebook page, Mr Bele explained that the world actually needs more people like Tracy, but that she ‘keep it away from residential areas.’

In Mr Bele’s own words: “I laid the complaint against her. Because frankly, we’ve had enough. Tracy (God bless her soul) is one of the nicest, kindest people I know and I really have nothing against monkeys (although, I have to admit, I’ve grown to hate the little b@#$%&@s). The issue here is that my family (and a few neighbors who I know for a fact share similar experiences) have been forced to live under inhumane conditions for years now because of Tracy’s (again, God bless her soul) ‘humanitarian’ efforts,” the  post comment read.

Mr Bele added that the cages are less than 8m away from the walls adjoining their properties. He explained that he has previously suggested that she relocate the cages to the front of her property where he says there is ample space.

The comment continues: “Apart from the awful stench we’ve had to live with (part of the reason we don’t open any windows) we’ve had many cases of illnesses often linked with pathogens transmitted by the primates at home. I won’t go into details but my sister had to move into her own place because of this and three months ago my younger brother (16) had to move to a relative’s home because his doctor suggested it.”

Mr Bele, living near a nature reserve, explained that he expected an encounter with wild animals. “Tracy, however, feeds wild monkeys on a daily basis – which would be great (we all love free food) if it didn’t mean all the monkeys of the world now hang around our yard all day, which brings me to the other reason we can’t open our windows! The little b@#$%&*s are always looking for a way into the house looking for food, they even know how how to open our bread bin (I’m not even mad about that, it’s impressive really). If they don’t find any food lying around they’ll take anything from money and cellphones to shoes.”

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is yet to comment.

ORIGINAL STORY:

WITH exactly eight days left to complete the construction of seven new cages, Tracy Rowles – known by many as the saving grace of injured monkeys – has today (October 17) been notified that her rehabilitation centre, which she runs from her home, will be closed down, regardless of whether or not new cages are provided.

The letter, handed to her at her Umkomaas property today by members of the Hawks, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, read:

“KZN Wildlife has received a letter of complaint concerning your primate facility from the (NSPCA). Your facility was last permitted by KZN Wildlife in 2010 with a request to submit a management plan and to regulate your intake to the number of animals specified in your permit. To date no correspondence from you has been received.”

Tracy was notified that she is currently keeping mammals in captivity without a permit, something she says Ezemvelo has been aware of, ever since they stopped inspecting her property years ago. Tracy has argued that both the NSPCA and Ezemvelo knew full well that she had been operating without a permit for some time now and she is now asking why it is only now a problem.

ALSO READ: Monkey rehabilitation centre faces closure

The Senior Public Prosecutor at the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court has advised that an official warning against her for keeping mammals without a permit be registered at the Umkomaas Saps.

He also recommended that Tracy be given an opportunity dispose of the monkeys in her care, the letter going on to say:

• That the monkeys be disposed of to facilities recommended by the NSPCA;
• That the disposal of monkeys to recommended facilities be completed by the end of November; and,
• That failure to comply will result in her prosecution and the seizure of the animals.

Tracy was advised to take any wild animals delivered to her in the future to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) and Free Me in Hillcrest.

Ever since news of the imminent closure of the facility surfaced, members of the public as well as various businesses (including Sappi) have come on board. offering to help with the construction of the cages, as specified inn the initial agreement which provided for two weeks’ grace.

Tracy explained that she would have been able to complete the cages within three to four weeks, but was not able to meet the specified deadline.

A Johannesburg-based company even offered to provide all the required materials at cost, as well as send a team to construct the cages at no additional cost. Sappi would have been able to provide her with two cages.

ALSO READ: Update: Hibberdene monkey killing – investigations progress

According to Tracy, CROW and Free Me, would not be able to take the monkeys currently in her care.

She has explained that Free Me doesn’t deal in monkey-care and CROW, which is permitted only a certain amount of monkeys, has to plan ahead.

“Why waste my time? Why waste the time of the public? I am of the opinion that they do not want us to save monkeys,” Tracy said.

Tracy has suggested that as the monkeys will have no other place to go, that they will have to be euthanised, something she says she is completely unable to do.

At previous meetings with Tracy, it has reportedly been highlighted that the mandate, should any monkeys be brought to the SPCA, is that they be euthanised.

With no  alternative for monkeys in need of rehabilitation from Umkomaas to Port Edward, a distraught Tracy is left asking who will take care of these vervets now.

Ezemvelo has been contacted for comment.

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