‘Criminals’ burn monkey alive

The people who burned a monkey alive will be brought to justice, a senior Government veterinarian vowed today.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s Veterinary Services Department served notice that it will be working with the Royal Barbados Police Force to bring the persons guilty of participating in the horrid act, to justice, said Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Trotman.

He was responding to a video circulating on social media showing a caged, juvenile monkey being doused with a flammable substance and set alight, while a group of people watched, shouting encouragement.

The vet said the “abhorrent” and “criminal” burning was a breach of the Cruelty to Animals Act.

“This unconscionable act is not only abhorrent but criminal and is a clear breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Cap 114A).  This action is unjustifiable under any circumstances and the public is urged to desist from any such [act], no matter the perceived rationale,” he said in a statement.

Animal welfare and enforcement of cruelty prevention legislation fall under the Ministry of Agriculture. A number of “Authorized Persons” have been appointed by the Minister of Agriculture to assist in its enforcement.

“Officers of the Veterinary Services will work closely with the Royal Barbados Police Force to ensure that the guilty person or persons are brought to justice, “ he said.