The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s Veterinary Services Department will be working with the Royal Barbados Police Force to bring the persons guilty of participating in the burning of a monkey, to justice.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr, Mark Trotman, in response to a disturbing 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 and shouted words of encouragement.
Describing the act as “abhorrent” and “criminal”, Mr. Trotman said it was a breach of the Cruelty to Animals Act.
The full statement from the Veterinary Services Department is as follows:
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services is aware of a video circulating on social media showing a juvenile monkey in a cage being doused with a flammable substance and burned alive while a group of people watch and shout words of encouragement.
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, no matter the perceived rationale.
Animal welfare and enforcement of the prevention of cruelty to animals legislation falls under the Ministry of Agriculture and 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.
Dr. Mark Trotman
Senior Veterinary Officer
Veterinary Services Department