GEORGE TOWN – Nine monkeys have been found dead, allegedly of poisoning, in Paya Terubong, Air Itam.
The carcasses were found by residents of Block 16 Grand View here yesterday.
S. Sivakumaran, 48, an army officer from the JKR Flats in Jalan Paya Terubong, has lodged a report at the Air Itam police station, claiming that the animals died after being fed poisoned food by some individuals.
He said he had been feeding the monkeys for some time, and the animals were not violent.
Sivakumaran said he went to the scene after his friend informed him of the carcasses about 6.30pm.
He urged police to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.
The Consumers’ Association of Penang condemned the alleged killings, calling the act ruthless.
This act is inhumane and shows an absence of humanity. It is a sin to kill animals, and no one has the right to poison a living being. What was the compulsion to give poison to the monkeys living in the forest?
“We are destroying forests and building houses in the name of development. But the creatures that live in the forest have nowhere to go.
“The monkeys were forced to enter the city in search of food,” said the group’s education officer, N.V. Subbarow, in a statement.
He said monkeys can be chased away with loud noises, and that those behind the killings should have instead filed a complaint with the Wildlife Department, which would then conduct a catch-and-release exercise. – The Vibes, June 27, 2021
