Cape Town – The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has launched an investigation into two separate incidents involving alleged cruelty to baboons.
The latest case being investigated comes after a video shared online, where a dog is being encouraged to attack a baboon, while they are locked together in a cage.
According to the group Baboon Matters, the incident took place at a farm in Laingsburg and it was a regular occurrence.
The farmer recorded the incidents and found humour in it, said the group.
Founding member of Baboon Matters Jenny Trethowan said they received the information from a concerned resident and were appalled.
NSPCA Wildlife Unit manager Martie Rossouw said they reported a case to police and the investigating officer was awaiting witness testimonies before the docket will be referred to a prosecutor.
“It is so brutal and violent. What kind of person lives in a community and does something like this? If they can do this to an animal, imagine what they can do to a human being.”
She said people were treating baboons cruelly as they saw them as problem animals.
“I have no idea why they are seeing them that way, they should be seen as any other animal.
We have had at least six complaints (this year) of this nature. We have also had complaints in the Cape of the abuse of baboons and some being killed.”
Rossouw said that in a separate matter they are offering a reward of R10000 for information leading to the arrest of a man, holding an injured baboon by the arm, tormenting the animal and prolonging its suffering.
“The NSPCA fully intends to charge him with animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act, as this behaviour is beyond cruel.
"We ask all our supporters to share this post far and wide. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated to help us raise this reward - your assistance helps us get justice for abused animals.”