Monkeys’ brutal deaths spark outcry in KZN
An eyewitness says monkeys were hit with a spade after they were found stealing vegetables from the garden of an old age home.
Police are investigating a case of animal cruelty following the deaths of two vervet monkeys that were killed after they were allegedly bashed in the head with a spade at an old age home near Howick, KZN.
The home, which also caters to patients with dementia, has its own garden and chicken coop.
According to a statement given to the uMngeni SPCA, the groundsman said the monkeys – an adult and an infant – had injured themselves while running into the wooden slats of the chicken coop.
But an eyewitness report revealed that the monkeys were hit with a spade after they were found stealing vegetables from the garden.
In a graphic photo shared with The Witness, a man is pictured holding the injured monkeys up by their tails. “I could see that they had taken a knock to their heads and had blood running from their noses,” the eyewitness said.
The eyewitness added that those at the home were not very phased by the bleeding monkeys and continued with their day.
It was the eyewitness who took blankets and sheets to cover the monkeys before loading them into their vehicle and taking them to the uMngeni Veterinary Clinic. On the drive, the eyewitness could hear the laboured breaths of the adult vervet.
“She was on her last legs and died on the way there. The little one, a boy, had lost his eye and his skull was so badly fractured that the decision to euthanise was made by the vet.”
uMngeni SPCA’s operations manager Kevin Khumalo confirmed that a criminal case has been opened against the ‘spade-wielding’ perpetrator.
“We are appalled at the brutality of the attack, which caused both monkeys significant pain and suffering. Together with Findlater Attorneys Inc, which does pro bono work for us, we intend to prosecute the offender to the fullest extent of the law.
“Should residents be faced with a similar situation we recommend calling the uMngeni SPCA on 082 567 8297,” said Khumalo.
Khumalo said they will not disclose further details at this stage as the matter is under investigation.
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