Monkey shot and killed in Richards Bay
The incident occurred last Thursday and was reported to CROW by a concerned member of the public
AN infant Vervet monkey is being hand-reared at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) after its mother was shot and killed by a pellet gun-wielding Richards Bay resident.
The incident occurred last Thursday and was reported to CROW by a concerned member of the public.
Despite treacherous road conditions in the heavy rain, the Durban-based NPO’s primate officer, Tayla Hawkins, attended to the scene.
‘On arrival we were greeted by our distressed caller with a tiny baby Vervet monkey which she found screaming on her driveway,’ said Hawkins.
‘She informed us that the mother monkey was in some nearby bushes, but suspected it had already passed away.
‘Sadly, when we removed the mother from the bushes, we were able to confirm the caller’s suspicions.’
The adult monkey had been shot with a pellet gun numerous times, its body riddled with pellets.
One bullet had caused severe damage to her throat.
‘These wounds do not indicate a scare tactic – as many describe the use of pellet guns – or accident. They point to a senseless and deliberate killing.’
Beyond the killing of the monkey, the result is an orphaned newborn which needs its mother and rest of the troop in order to survive.
‘The majority of monkeys admitted to the centre have pellets lodged in their bodies or display evidence of pellet gun wounds.
‘While pellet guns are considered by many to be ‘toys’, they can cause grievous injury, irreversible harm and needless death.
‘A pellet gun is regarded as an air rifle under the Firearms Control Act and its use within a built-up or residential area is punishable by law.’
Anybody who witnesses the shooting of any animal must report the incident to the SPCA, whose inspectors open and investigate cases of animal cruelty.
Founded over 30 years ago, CROW is Durban’s only registered wildlife rehabilitation centre, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of all indigenous wildlife found in KZN.
To report emergencies relating to wildlife, CROW’s after hours emergency line is 083 2125281.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
