THE Amanzimtoti SPCA warns people that shooting monkeys is a criminal offence, and urges the community to remain vigilant against such acts of cruelty.

This warning comes after Carlyn Hattingh, an animal rehabilitator, got a call from a teary resident regarding a monkey that was shot by her house in the Doon Heights area on February 16.

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Although she was unable to respond immediately, she enlisted the help of a friend and advised the caller to contact Inspector Luke Keyser from the SPCA.

“The baby was shot in the spine, paralysing this little girl. Unfortunately, the SPCA had to euthanise her,” she said.

Keyser said it is difficult to pinpoint where the monkey had come from as they often move after being shot, unless they are badly injured.

“Monkeys being shot is a common occurrence as people think they are ‘pests’, however, it is a criminal offence, and we can and will take action. We therefore urge the community to be aware and document any instances,” he said.

The SPCA’s Michelle Hannan stressed the importance of obtaining video footage or photographs to initiate cruelty complaints and pursue legal action against offenders.

“If the animal is immobile, we put it down, however, if it’s injured, we pass it onto organisations, such as Umsizi Vervet Rescue Centre, who can help rehabilitate the animal,” she said.

For more information, or to report acts of cruelty, contact the Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031 904 2424.

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