On Sunday, 4 August, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA took in a local baboon that had been pepper-sprayed and electrocuted amid escalating tensions between animal activists and residents, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Cape SPCA launches probe into baboon attack in Kommetjie
Animal activists were trying to protect the baboons during a protest. However, during an altercation between them and local Kommetjie residents, one baboon affected by pepper spray became disoriented and got electrocuted on an electric fence while trying to flee.
‘This aggressive and unlawful act saw residents wielding sticks and using pepper spray against the baboons as they neared the town to roost, causing significant distress and harm to the animals,’ the SPCA said in a statement.
The Cape SPCA has launched a comprehensive investigation and is gathering evidence to pursue a criminal case under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
On Tuesday, a Kommetjie resident called Cape Talk’s Afternoon Drive to speak to John Matham about what transpired.
According to Robin*, the baboon was not pepper sprayed during the protest. Rather, the animal sustained its injuries somewhere else in the village where there must have been an electric fence.
‘What happened was, around 80 concerned residents decided to get together (to protest) and a friend and I decided we’re going to bang sticks together and try and chase the baboons off…The reason they’re in the village is because they’re being encouraged to go into a derelict building at night…’
He said an activist from another area attacked his friend from behind with a hollow metal pole, and later ‘ran at me and attempted to elbow me in the solar plexus’. At this time, he says the local activist had her flag furled on her shoulder.
‘I wasn’t prepared to get into a physical confrontation with them because it’s just not on, and I pepper sprayed them.’
Robin said charges have been laid for assault from their side, followed by counter-charges. ‘We are sticking to the charges… We’ve all been summonsed because they’ve laid counter charges of assault for being pepper sprayed. It was in self-defence as far as I’m concerned, but the court can judge.’
*Full name not provided.
Also read:
Outrage erupts over euthanasia of baboons in South Peninsula
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