NSPCA withdraws support of ‘outdated’ paintball guns to deter baboons

The National Council of SPCA (NSPCA) has withdrawn its support of using paintball guns to shoot baboons in the Cape Peninsula.

On Tuesday, 11 May, the NSPCA confirmed in a statement it has withdrawn support of the use of shooting primates with paintball guns as a means of deterring baboons from entering urban areas.

“We are of the view that the practice of shooting primates with a paintball gun is not only an outdated practice but also one that may cause unnecessary suffering to the victims that the guns are aimed at.”

PAINTBALL GUNS USED ON BABOONS FOR YEARS

The NSPCA added that for many years paintball had been used as a deterrent, however, times have changed and technology has evolved.

“We are well aware that there are residents of the City (of Cape Town) who are not particularly fond of primates entering their properties, however, this cannot justify cruelty inflicted on the animals by the City or its residents.

“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.”

The NSPCA added that the City of Cape Town makes use of a service provider who is currently utilizing paintball guns as aversion tools among other more humane efforts.

”We take note that of the extreme disappointment’ expressed by the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt, for ‘not consulting the City of Cape Town’ prior to the decision to withdraw support.

“If the welfare of animals is prioritised by the City, as it should be, the terms of the contract and the means to which deterrent methods are employed and overseen, should be a priority to move forward as a matter of urgency.”

PANEL SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO MANAGE BABOONS

The NSPCA in conjunction with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has tasked the City of Cape Town with setting up a panel to include interested members of the public, animal rights groups, animal welfare groups as well as Cape Nature and the City of Cape Town to discuss a way forward with managing baboons in the Cape Peninsula.

“We advise that any cruelty complaints regarding the use of paintball guns used in the Cape Peninsula be reported to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.”

Last week the City submitted a written request to the NSPCA to clarify reports that it no longer supports the use of paintball guns, as a scientifically proven and humane aversion tool to keep baboons out urban areas adjacent to the troops’ natural habitat.

PAINTBALLS ‘SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN AS HUMANE’

In a statement last week, the City said it will have to inform residents living in areas close to baboons’ natural habitat of the impact this decision will have on their properties and lifestyle. 

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Marian Nieuwoudt, said the standard operating procedures were updated in 2019, in consultation with the NSPCA.

“I want to express my disappointment with the NSPCA in not consulting the City on its decision before making it public. The NSPCA has supported paintball guns as a scientifically proven and humane aversion tool since 2012.

“It is inexplicable that the NSPCA has in this instance chosen not to consult the City when they have a direct line to our directors and managers.”

Nieuwoudt added that urban areas are not safe for baboons.

“It is of utmost importance, and in the interest of the safety of baboons and residents alike, that interaction and conflict between humans and baboons be limited as far as possible.”

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