NSPCA against paintball guns for shooting baboons

CONSERVATION groups have lauded the NSPCA’s decision to withdraw its support for the shooting of primates with paintball guns as a means of deterring the animals from entering urban areas.

The NSPCA’s stance comes soon after a juvenile baboon was found dead in the garden of a Simon’s Town resident last Friday.

The NSPCA said the practice was not only outdated, but one that may cause unnecessary suffering to the creatures the guns were aimed at. It said there were no comparable deterrent practices against which anyone could measure the effectiveness of paintball marking.

“For many years, paintball guns have been used as a deterrent, however, times have changed and technology has evolved. Just because a practice was conducted years ago does not mean it should be continued today, especially when there may be alternative methods that can be used to achieve the same outcome,” its statement said.

The NSPCA also said it took note of the “extreme disappointment” expressed by mayoral committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Marian Nieuwoudt, for “not consulting the City of Cape Town” before the decision to withdraw support. It said it had also taken note of the legal threats which the City had made against it and in following its mandate, would defend its decision should the need arise.

The NSPCA, in conjunction with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, tasked the City with setting up a panel to discuss a way forward with managing baboons and expected that humane and effective deterrents may arise, and a programme suitable to implement in all afflicted areas may be initiated.

Baboon Matters founder Jenni Trethowan said they had been against the practice of using paintball guns since its first implementation in 2010.

“It is our belief that if the authorities are using this practice, the message given to the residents and user groups is that it is okay to hurt the animal rather than find ways to reduce attractants or to baboon-proof your home. We don’t believe that the City has done nearly enough in terms of solid waste management, particularly in areas where baboons are in close proximity, and has done very little to educate the residents,” she said.

Councillor Appointed Representatives for Baboon Suburbs from Smitwinkel representative Chantal Luyt said strategies and proper training of rangers was needed if the practice was to be continued. The City said it was concerned about this decision and the impact it would have on the safety and well-being of the Cape Peninsula’s chacma baboon population.

Nieuwoudt said it was unclear how baboons could be encouraged not to enter urban areas in future as the NSPCA did not recommend alternative aversion tools proven to be effective. She said the City would also have to inform residents living in areas close to baboons’ natural habitat of the impact this decision would have on their properties and lifestyle.

The City said it had never threatened the NSPCA with legal action, but advised that the organisation was at risk of litigation as a consequence of not consulting stakeholders before its decision.