Monkey attacks cause concerns for small children’s safety
Residents are concerned over the safety of small children where monkeys are concerned
AN aggressive male vervet monkey ripped into a pet Jack Russell in Birdswood last week, inflicting deep wounds on its back, hindquarters, neck and shoulder area.
The dog’s life was saved thanks to a bigger canine on the property that rushed to the rescue and savaged the monkey to death.
The incident has highlighted once again the conflict between monkeys and the public.
Of greatest concern to parents is the threat large male vervet monkeys pose to children, especially small children.
PHOTO: Supplied
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According to a member of the public, the monkeys at a pre-school in Veldenvlei are of particular concern as they snatch food out of small children’s hands.
‘The monkeys have become such a serious threat that the children cannot venture outside the classroom with a sandwich,’ she said.
According to her the monkeys not only take food out of the children’s hands, but even challenge and chase them and the teachers.
‘We know the monkeys’ natural habitat has been diminished because of development, but my question is: is there anything the authorities can do before a child gets attacked like this dog did?’
City of uMhlathuze spokesperson Mdu Ncalane agreed to look into the policies the municipality may have on dealing with problem monkeys.
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