The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has expressed its discontent with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) over its exclusion from decision-making processes involving baboon management.
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Recently, the CPBMJTT, under the directive of the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), reached out to the SPCA for assistance in relocating the Seaforth baboon troop.
This request, sent on 13 December 2023, sought the SPCA’s involvement in observing the capture and relocation of the troop to a natural area on the Cape Peninsula.
However, the SPCA was not previously consulted on this matter.
The SPCA noted that expecting it to mobilise resources on short notice for a significant operation like the relocation of an entire baboon troop was unreasonable, especially since the CPBMJTT had systematically excluded it from the planning stages.
The SPCA requested information on the individuals involved in both the CPBMJTT and the Joint Baboon Operational Team (JBOT) earlier this month. However, their request was dismissed, and the information was not provided.
While reiterating its commitment to the welfare of all animals, including baboons in the Cape Peninsula, the SPCA expressed its displeasure with being marginalised in decisions that directly affect animal welfare.
Due to insufficient information, the organisation was reportedly not involved in the decision to relocate the Seaforth Troop and, as a result, cannot comment on the relocation plan, capture methods, transport method or the intended relocation site.
In response to the current situation, the SPCA will dispatch Wildlife Department inspectors to monitor the baboons’ capture, transport and release, ensuring compliance with the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
However, it is not involved in or responsible for the relocation process.
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Picture: Daniel Radford / Unsplash