Global News - January 2008

< Back to Global News

Bounty hunters 'seriously injuring' Delhi's monkeys

Mon 21 January 2008 13:50 UK — Asia,Primates

Efforts to capture Delhi's monkeys and move them from the city's streets to sanctuaries are resulting in many of the animals being injured, wildlife experts have warned.

Since last April, authorities in the Indian capital have been paying individuals £4.50 for every one of the city's 20,000 monkeys they manage to capture and bring to the Asola-Bhatti sanctuary.

However, the Independent reported that those working at the sanctuary have complained that the monkey hunters are poorly trained and as a result are injuring the animals when they try to catch them.

"The monkeys are being caught in a horrible way," Dr Gautman Borat, a vet, told the newspaper. "They are caught with ropes and tongs and the nets are not used properly. There is no proper training."

Despite monkeys being revered by Hindus, Delhi's population of the animals has increasingly come into conflict with humans as the city has grown in size.

Meanwhile, AFP reported that officials in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh recently announced plans to train unemployed youths to sterilise the area's monkeys.

Help IAR care for stray dogs and cats and other animals in distress.

News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, experts in the population control and care of stray dogs, cats and other domestic animals.

< Back to Global News   |   Read IAR News

Read IAR News >