Mixed feelings across the Overstrand followed after the senseless death of a baboon in Pringle Bay.
On Saturday (24 August) a Pringle Bay baboon (REM1) was shot with a pellet gun by an unknown individual in Pringle Bay. The police, Overstrand municipal law enforcement, baboon management officials and CapeNature were alerted to the incident and undertook an investigation.
“No conclusive evidence was found which could identify the perpetrator,” the Overstrand Municipality and CapeNature said in a joint statement.
Following a post-mortem by a vet, it was concluded that the cause of death was a punctured lung from a pellet fired from an airgun. According to the statement, X-Rays revealed an additional eight pellets lodged in the carcass, all from previous shootings, the origin of which is impossible to determine.
The Pringle Bay Rate Payers Association (PBRA) also condemned this act: “The PBRA is saddened to hear of the unnecessary death of a baboon within our village. This underscores the necessity of doing whatever we can to keep the baboons safe, in the wild – rather than at risk in the urban area.”
It stated that they deplore the accusations and derogatory remarks in social media based on assumptions. “Above all, the intrusive and self-serving conduct of the people attracted to the scene where the baboon was found is reprehensible and has no place in Pringle Bay. We again voice ratepayers’ support for the Adaptive Baboon Management Plan currently undertaken by the Overstrand Municipality. The success of this plan will improve baboon welfare – encouraging baboons in town will not.”
An enquiry docket has been opened with Kleinmond Police, and a police investigation is underway.
“The authorities are working closely with the police and have provided the necessary information to them to take the investigation further. Members of the public are asked to contact Kleinmond Police on 028 271 8200 with any information that may help with the investigation,” the Municipal Manager Dean O’Neil said.
O’Neill reminded residents that the OM holds the necessary permits and training to implement its baboon adaptive management plan, using non-lethal and non-harmful tools and techniques.
“It is an offence to hunt a baboon without authorisation. Such illegal activities could result in penalties such as a fine not exceeding R10 000 or to two years’ imprisonment, or to both fine and imprisonment. The discharging of an airgun in a built-up area is a contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 and conviction may result in up to five years’ imprisonment and the convicted person being declared unfit to possess firearms,” he explained.
“Shooting baboons impedes the progress of the adaptive management plan currently being implemented by the Overstand Municipality. We understand that some residents are frustrated with the current scenario in Pringle Bay, but taking matters into their own hands only serves to delay and complicate matters. The adaptive management plan was put in place for the welfare of baboons and safety of residents.
“For this reason, we aim to get the troop out of town, and safely back into their natural surrounding habitat, outside of the urban area, for the welfare of baboons and safety and security of residents.”
According to CapeNature they are committed to the welfare of all wildlife. “This incident shows the importance of treating wild animals correctly, even in challenging situations. Shooting baboons not only inflicts unnecessary pain on the animal but also disrupts their natural behaviour and the delicate balance within their troop. Humane and non-lethal methods of managing human-wildlife conflict are needed and residents are urged to prioritise coexistence strategies that safeguard both animal welfare and community safety,” they stated.
