Mauling of Baboon by “Fighting Dogs”, Reopens the Cape Peninsular Baboon Debate

28
Jul/090

Baboon

Chacma Baboon photographed in the Kruger Park, South Africa.

The difficulties stemming from the proximity of the troops of Cape Peninsular baboons and Cape Town suburbs is in the news again, in a really disturbing way.

Previous posts looked at the possibility of residents paying an increased tax to allow the Cape Town municipality to manage baboons, that are causing problems in Cape Peninsular suburbs and at the somewhat lighter story on a baboon that fell through a roof into a bath.

However, the close proximity between the baboons and the community has turned ugly in a way contrary to what one would have expected.

The Latest Problem

(NOTE: a GOOGLE earth clip at the bottom of the post will help with the South African place names)

Two teenaged boys unleashed their dogs on a baboon in Main Road, Ocean View not far from his natal pack in Kommetjie on Tuesday 21 July. He stood little chance, as he was 20 years old, had few teeth and had lost the strength of his youth. He was badly mauled in the attack, and rushed to a veterinary clinic. The dogs were initially reported to be Pit-bull Terriers, but were actually a American Pit-bull and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Both dogs have a predisposition to attack other dogs and are totally fearless and loyal to their owners.